i have just recently accuired a hot wire cutter. it works great and all but how do i get completly strait lines when cutting?

_________________
In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit.

You could perhaps guide the wire cutter along with something non-meltable such as a wooden block?
Never had experience with one but it's an idea...

_________________
'Though my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior'
-John Newton

The answer depends on what kind of wire cutter you have.

A fence or straight edge or a stronger spring?



Fence



Strong spring



This model does not come with a fence but you can make one with two clamps and a wooden ruler. I like the commercial cutter from this company a lot.



This is my home made circle cutter. My new hot knife has an attachment like this jig saw.



The command hot knife is set up to use all of my jig saw accessories.



If you have a bow style cutter. Make sure the wire is very tight hot metal expands. Cut slowly. Adjust the temperature so that there is no smoke do NOT let the wire get red hot. If there is no adjustment go slow with a straight edge. It is not possible to have enough ventilation. I use mine outside with a fan.

_________________
"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

i have this

_________________
In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit.

Very nice. I would start with a fence.

Think of a hot wire like a scroll saw. Not really the tool for long straight square cuts. A bandsaw or table saw is of course better. Does that mean you can not use it of course not.



This is a simple fence held down with a small hobby clamp. Use two clamps. Some small old fashioned C clamps might be best with your cutter. Be sure to set the fence up with a square.



Unlike the scroll saw blade the hot wire will cut in all directions so you will be able to run the fence in different directions.



I like quick release clamps but the C clamps are cheep

I noticed a typing error in my last post. I will change it. Do NOT let the wire get red hot.

_________________
"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

I agree with the above, and take the time while cutting.
Don't push the wire through too fast or too slow.
If you feel a decent resistance you are going too fast.