3-Inch Hot Knife - #035S (Needs Pro or Craft Power)


$29.95


SKU: 035S
Weight: 0.50 lbs

Quantity

3-Inch Hot Knife

Cut foam with surgical precision!

The thin round steel blade cuts Styrofoam and white beaded EPS foam cleanly in any direction like magic. Always sweeping up those messy foam beads? Put that time back into your art and add this hot wire cutter to your foam craft supply tool box today. Click here for an infographic about this tool.

Note: this listing DOES NOT include the required power supply. If you need a power supply, check out our money saving Crafters Kits.

Cutting dense foams? Bigger projects?
Choose our faster cutting Pro 6-Inch Hot Knife or Industrial Hot Knife
(We have 5 hot knives to choose from.)

For a comparison of Hot Knives, click here

To see foam projects made using this tool, Click Here.



Includes:

  • 3-Inch Hot Knife

  • Please Note: This tool does not come with a power supply. Power supply sold separately - choose from the Crafters Power, the Multi-Heat or Variable-Heat Pro Power Stations, or a money-saving kit.

 

Features:

  • Convenient thumb-switch on the comfort-grip handle

  • 6 feet of power cord

  • Starts cutting in seconds

  • Cuts continuously (unlike cheap knock-offs that overheat in minutes)

  • Round blade changes direction easily

  • Made with care in the USA

 


Used For:

  • Foam decorations

  • Sign making

  • Architectural mode

  • Equipment case foam (polyethylene foam)

  •  RC airplane foams (polypropylene foam)

  • and so much more . . .

To see foam projects made using this tool, Click Here.

 

Tech Specs:

 


Videos:


 

What is the difference between the Pro and Crafter’s Kits?

The tools in the Crafter’s and Pro kits are the same, including handles and switches. However, some tools require the Pro Power Station to work, such as the shapeable-blade Freehand Router and the Pro 6″ and 8″ knives, which cut 1.5× faster than the Crafter’s Hot Knives.

Crafter’s tools can be powered by either the Crafter or Pro Power Station, but not the other way around.


Do your tools carry a warranty?

Our tools and power supplies come with a 90-day warranty, but we go beyond that. If a defect causes a tool to fail—even a year or two after purchase—we typically repair it free of charge.


What types of foam will your tools cut?

Our tools will cut EPS, XPS, PE, and EVA Foam.


How do I clean my tools?

Most people clean their tools as they are working by just gently wiping them against a cloth or paper towel while the foam is in a melted state. If you feel the need to clean them even further, you can clean them while they are cold with acetone.


As a beginner, which tools should I purchase?

We must first find out what kinds of things you want to create. Any of the craft kits will do if you only plan to construct smaller projects. We can better assist you if you can give us a general concept of what you want to try to make. You can either email us at sales@hwff.com or call 1-866-735-9255 Mon-Fri and a knowledgeable staff member can assist you.


What is the best kit for the money?

The job will actually determine that. Most artists rely on the Pro 4-in-1 Kit, which carries our most popular tools and everything you'll need to get started. With this kit comes tools like the Freehand Router and 6-inch Pro Hot Knife, our two most diverse instruments.


Why are my blades breaking?

"Let the heat do the cutting."
Avoid repeatedly bending the terminals when changing blades—keep bends in the same spot by pushing them into the slots. Tips to prevent blade breakage:

  • Avoid repeatedly bending the terminals when changing blades—keep bends in the same spot by pushing them into the slots.
  • Heat the blade before adjusting the arms. Let the blade relax and release tension before turning off the heat to prevent breakage.


Are the fumes from EPS or XPS foam toxic?

Our Hot Knives are designed for plunge cutting. Look for the Sled Guide in our Accessories area to keep the Hot Knives perpendicular to the foam while cutting.


When will my order ship?

Standard shipping (USPS First-Class, USPS Priority, FedEx Ground) typically takes 1–2 business days to process and leave our warehouse.

Expedited shipping (USPS Express, FedEx Overnight, FedEx 2Day, FedEx Express) ships the next business day.


Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide! Once you have your items added to your cart, you can view the available methods before checking out.

Average Customer Rating:


2 Most useful customer reviews
Sean
May 30, 2025
This customer purchased the item at our site.
I bought this item to do a tool shadowing project for work and was using extremely high-density foam. This hot wire knife fit comfortably in my hand, the handle never got hot, and the results are very precise. I bent the wire while perfecting my technique, but I was able to bend it back and continue using it with no other issues. You just have to go slow and steady, using light pressure, letting the heat do the cutting. FANTASTIC PRODUCT! I will give this web-address to all of our new hires.

BTW...I love the fact that there is no high-voltage AC current present in the tool in your hand. This is a MAJOR plus for safety and confidence in using it. Its also a MUCH safer alternative to cutting foam with a knife. VERY little chance of slipping and hurting yourself with this tool.
Yvette
Sep 8, 2022
This customer purchased the item at our site.
I love this tool. It is very versatile and easy to use. It heats up quickly but my hand never gets hot. I bought this tool for simple shaping after being so frustrated with using a knife. This tool makes quick work of cutting and shaping any density of foam I have ever used. And the best part is there is no mess. I recommend this tool to everyone that is starting to sculpt with styrofoam.

Testimonials