Whats the difference between

[the pict]

A phone charger, switching adapter,and what is commonly called a "charger or adapter", the reason I ask is that I am going to make a hot wire cutter to trim of some foam in my motorbike seat as I am a bit short on inside leg, so whats best to use the local charity shop has loads which I test for them, i did not want this in the public forum for obvious reasons we all know what Joe Public is like once he gets in his shed
P

 

[Richard Burns]

A hot wire trimmer uses a lot of current and I doubt that any phone charger or adaptor would cope with the demand the normal highest current rating is about 2A. I am not sure of the difference between the names but they are probably all the same.
I would tend to use a lead acid battery (or a car battery charger) for a power supply for a hot wire system, though I think there are simple units out there that seem to use power supplies.

 

[the pict]

Cheers I will have a google,I think I have a 12v battery from a fire alarm system somewhere
P

 

[Deleted member 26818]

May even have one on the motorbike.
Another option is an electric carving knife.

 

[the pict]

electric knive is probably a good idea I have tried cutting it by hand with a fairly sharp filliting knive but the foam has a resistance all of its own which tend to tear rather than cut, yeah bike battery ...doh

 

[Rpa07]

I was going to say a sharp bread knife every time - you'll be surprised how much time you'll put into making the gadget then it being rubbish. Better still take the seat to one of those shops that cut foam for a business. Cost you a couple of quid.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Yes a bread knife of the type with very fine teeth will work.
You may also might like to consider inserting a gel pad just under the seat cover.
Have been informed they increase comfort a great deal.

 

[PEG]

Why not pop into an upholsterers,with it marked out?

The "smart" hot wire cutters,only power up,during the push cycle,as without the medium being cut,the wire would heat excessively,and fail. Some do this via sensing on the wire,itself.

You could experiment,as i did,as a kid,using polystyrene,etc. A single strand of wire,taken from a stainless steel Bowden brake cable,was preferred,with an old Scalectric transformer for juice...just use lots of ventilation!