How to Straight Cut Styrofoam
There are many craft projects that require the versatile Styrofoam block or sheet. It is an excellent medium to use for a foundation piece for your craft. It can be a challenge to cut Styrofoam to a specific size. It can split and snap if you apply too much pressure. It is also easy to slip and veer off course when cutting the foam. You can straight cut a piece of Styrofoam with a sharp knife or piece of wire.
Things You'll Need
- Wire in 20- or 22-gauge florist grade
- Dowel rods or sticks
- Ruler
- Craft knife
- Long non-serrated blade knife
Instructions
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Cutting With Wire
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1
Measure and mark the piece of Styrofoam exactly where you need to cut it.
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2
Notch the marked portion of the Styrofoam sheet or block with a sharp craft knife.
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3
Wrap the end of a piece of wire around the center of a dowel rod or stick. Twist to secure it tightly.
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4
Measure the length of the piece of wire to mark the exact amount you need to match the Styrofoam measurement. Cut the wire five inches longer.
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5
Wrap the excess wire tightly around the center of the second dowel rod or stick.
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6
Place the dowel rods on either side of the Styrofoam. Hold sticks in each hand. Pull on the sticks, holding the wire taut, and slice straight down through the Styrofoam.
Non-serrated Knife
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7
Mark the area that has to be cut on the Styrofoam.
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8
Hold the handle of a long, non-serrated edge knife in your dominant hand.
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9
Place your other hand over the top of the end of the knife blade.
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10
Place knife directly over the cutting area and push it down into the Styrofoam.
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11
Rock the knife gently while firmly pushing it into the Styrofoam. If it stops moving, carefully pull the blade out. You may have to slice back and forth to cut through your foam piece.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use gloved hands and cut the Styrofoam with wire alone. This method also works for floral foams.
Wire is very sharp and can cut skin. Keep wire and hands even or you can break the Styrofoam. Do not force a knife cut or you will snap the Styrofoam in two. Sawing will shred the Styrofoam and ruin it.
