I bought this so that I could get rid of all the styrofoam collected in packaging over the year. I didn't realize how much of a PITA getting rid of styrofoam packaging or shipping coolers was until I tried to cut them down with a razor knife... what a mess! After reading the reviews on the wire heating cutters, I decided those wouldn't last long (I had a LOT of this stuff to get rid of.). So I bought this because I could, and I like gadgets and tools. This DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

First, make sure you use it in a well-ventilated area, as most foam products emit noxious/toxic vapors, so ventilation is a must. Keep positive control of this tool, and be careful where you set it down while using it. It becomes red-hot, and it will do some serious damage to the flesh (but it will also cauterize the wound so you probably won't bleed to death if you do something stupid.)

It really does work well, I found myself playing with it as I was cutting down the big foam blocks, experimenting with it; getting creative, and carving alphabet letters and animal silhouettes out of the styrofoam, so I spent two days cutting all of my styrofoam down into little cubes that I can use for packing and shipping, and for use in potting plants in the big containers. It allows me to repurpose the foam instead of just sending it to the dump. Love the tool, it works, and I can pull it out and use it quickly when I have more foam to cut down. No styrofoam beads sticking to everything or to you with this thing.

Minor complaint, it would be nice if the knife fit in the case with the blade mounted. Temperature control works well and cuts fast. faster and better than scissors plus edge is sealed. Highly recommend for outdoor acrylic or polyester fabric.

This is a great foam cutter, especially for the price. My business uses curved foam blocks as void fill for specific pre-cast concrete products. I used to order the blocks pre-cut to shape, and at $5.00 apiece, they weren't cheap. Now, I can buy bulk foam sheets and cut the blocks myself using a table-top jig. That drove the price down to around $1.80 apiece. The money I save means this tool literally paid for itself with the first 50 blocks I cut.

It does get warm after a while, and the instructions say to let it rest for roughly the same amount of time as you use it (10 seconds on, 10 seconds off, for example). My cuts are short, averaging 20 seconds a run, and it takes about that long to reset the jig after a cut, so this thing is perfect for the job.

Kit comes with all the bits you need, including the Allen key required to attach or remove the blade. The blades have individual cases. There is a cleaning brush and a simple set of instructions.

My only beef with this thing is that the instructions don't provide temperatures for each heat setting, but a little experimenting had me cutting with minimal smoke in under 5 minutes.

Pro tip: KEEP THIS THING MOVING! If you have to pause during a cut, pull the blade clear of the foam, or the results will be sub-optimal to say the least! That's not a fault of this tool, just the result of high heat in close proximity to foam products.

It lives in a very solid vacuum formed case with a slot for every part. Each part locks into the case securely when stored, so no worries about jostling or tumbling parts getting beat up or broken in transit.

All in all a very good tool at the right price. Highly recommended!

Just got this delivered today, and never used one before. I used it to cut 4 tombstones out of SPX foam, and I was amazed how easy and fast this thing cut...I mean, wow. Temp control sucks, with no lines, numbers or even ease of use. I would normally knock 1 or 2 stars off for that, but I was so amazed how well it worked, I can forgive a stupid design mistake.

Heats up very quickly.
Easy to adjust the level of heat.
Long cord.
Comes in a nice storage case.
Prevents fraying of "plastic" fabrics - polyester, polypropylene - These types are usually outdoor, waterproof fabric.
I've used it to cut and seal parachute cord as well.
Using this hot knife makes a smooth edge and fuses the cut fibers preventing unravelling.
Probably too expensive if you're only doing a couple cushions, but definitely a time saver if you are doing this for a living or side hustle.