Plaid’s Hot Knife Tool is a convenient and easy-to-use tool that will provide general crafters, DIY enthusiasts, and Cosplayers with all they need to easily cut through or carve a variety of materials. General craft surfaces such as EVA foam, wax, bar soaps, fabric, paracord, foam core boards, and even foam fruits, vegetables and gourds are all easily carved into decorative works of art while using the Hot Knife Tool. Whether cutting freehand or over traced pattern lines, the Hot Knife Tool is easy and fun to use.
Begin by selecting a surface as well as a design to be cut or carved. If using a pattern, transfer the design onto the chosen surface. Next plug the Hot Knife Tool into an outlet, rest the tool on its metal safety stand and then allow the tool to heat up, (approximately 8 – 10 minutes.)
The only preparation prior to cutting or carving while using the Hot Knife Tool is to make sure the surface is dry, dust-free and if desired, a pattern has been transferred.
Packaged together, all three pieces: the Hot Tool, the knife tip and the metal safety stand are conveniently found as a hang able blister carded package. The Hot Knife Tool includes an electrical cord that measures approximately 56 inches.
Plaid’s Hot Knife Tool will completely heat up within eight to ten minutes (8 – 10).
A design pattern can easily be transferred using artist’s graphite paper.
Graphite Transfer Paper: Begin by securing the printed or hand drawn pattern onto the surface using a piece of stencil tape. Slip the artists graphite paper under the paper pattern keeping the dark side of the graphite paper down to the surface. Next, retrace over the design lines using either an artist’s stylus or a ball point pen. TIP: When tracing the pattern lines, it is always best to use light pressure. Once the entire pattern has been transferred, remove both the pattern as well as the sheet of graphite paper.
If you accidentally damaged your power cord, it is NOT recommended for further use. Also, it is best NOT to try to replace the electrical cord.
It is always best to test the surface and the hot knife blade on a scrap piece of the same surface before creating.
After each use, it is recommended that the Hot Knife Tool be allowed to completely cool down. Once cool, remove the knife blade and store the tool without a blade inserted.
To prevent possible injury, it is best to always stabilize the Hot Knife Tool Safety Stand so that it does not move about the work surface while working with a hot tool. Simply unfold the metal stand, set it upright, then tape the legs of the stand to the work surface where desired. Using cellophane, stencil or painters tape to hold the stand in place will stabilize the safety stand allowing the heated tool to rest between creative sessions.
The best position to hold the Hot Knife Tool, while in use, is like a pencil or paintbrush allowing the heated point to simply glide through the surface.
The knife blade can easily be attached to the tool. Before the tool is plugged into an electrical outlet and while both the tool and the knife blade are still cool to the touch, simply insert the knife blade and screw it into place. If desired, use pliers to hold the knife blade in place while attaching it to the tool. NOTE: After using the Hot Knife Tool and before removing the knife blade tip, allow the heated tool and tip to completely cool down - approximately 30 – 45 minutes.
The Hot Knife Tool operates at 120vac, 25w, and 60 Hz.
The Hot Knife Tool should take approximately eight to ten (8 – 10) minutes to completely heat up. Please always use with caution as once fully heat activated, the Hot Knife may reach a temperature of 518°F.
A few household miscellaneous supplies might be needed when using the Hot Knife Tool. These supplies are:
- Small Ceramic Dish – Can be used to hold extra knife blades.
- Pencil – Can be used to draw a pattern onto a project surface. Can also be used to retrace over pattern lines when transferring a design.
- Graphite Paper – Use to transfer pattern design lines onto the project surface.
- Stylus or Ballpoint Pen – Use to transfer pattern design lines onto the project surface.
- Tape – Either stencil, painters or cellophane tape can be used: 1. Use to secure pattern to surface while transferring design lines. 2. Use to secure the metal safety stand to work surface.
- Flat Nose Pliers – Can be used to hold a knife blade while attaching to or removing from the tool.
A variety of surfaces such as wax, bar soaps, EVA foam, paracord, foam core board, and decorative foam pumpkins, gourds, fruits and vegetables can all be carved or cut into decorative shapes using the Hot Knife Tool.
Most creators find it easier to pull the Hot Knife Tool towards you while cutting or carving a design. Reposition the project surface often to make it easier to continually pull the tool towards you.
- NEVER touch the Hot Knife Tool (blade or any metal parts) when plugged in and heated which may cause severe burns.
- Lightly squeeze a tiny amount of graphite dry lubricant before inserting a knife blade to a cool Hot Knife Tool. The dry graphite lubricant will keep the knife blade from sticking. Note: graphite lubricant is not included.
- Use tape to secure the metal safety stand to the work surface to prevent possible burns from the hot tool tip.
- Use light pressure and allow the heat to slice through the surface. If necessary, move slowly for a consistent cut.
- Practice before use, perhaps use the backside of your project surface or a similar surface.
- You may find it easier to pull the tool towards you, be comfortable and turn your project surface as necessary.
- Unplug after each use and NEVER leave a hot tool unattended. Rest Hot Knife Tool on its metal safety stand while cooling and prior to storing.
- NOTE: This product contains small pieces and is not suitable for children under 14 years of age without adult supervision.
- DO NOT use near water.