DOMINOX Hot Knife Foam Cutter, Foam Cutting Tool with Air Cooled Kit, Heavy-duty Case Styrofoam Cutter for Cutting Foam Board Insulation, EPP, EPS, XPS, EVA, EPE, PU, KT Board, Sponge, Nylon

I bought this to use to carve styrofoam blocks and it works like a charm. I didn't want to spend the $$ on a hot wire thingy and I wanted something that had a little more precision to it if needed. It takes a bit of skill (eg, patience and practice) to work it so you don't carve too deep or too far so I had some "oops" that I had to fill with gap foam but whatever, I'm not picky - I do this for fun, not a living.Pro's - heats up quickly, easy to use (wipe off frequently) and swap blades, easy to clean.Con's - hard to find the right temp so that the foam doesn't shrink and/or crystallize into a hard surface (which is hard to sand).CAUTION: wear a mask when using this to carve foam!!!!! The process gives off a dangerous gas and can produce noxious smoke. You should probably wear gloves too but I didn't and I've never yet burned myself, which is a shocker cuz I'm accident prone.Oh, I also used this to carve foam for tombstones and faux boards. Not effective for detail work IMO - I use a solder iron instead there, but it gets the heavy work done and is significantly easier than using a knife.

Update: figured out that the control dial was rolling opposite what I thought. Once turned up, this thing cut xps like butter. Excelent!Still missing the hex tool though :)Prior: was able to cut 2" xps but very slowly, and straight cuts are difficult. blades want to deform in shape and alignment. also missing the hex wrench pictured. texted oo late too return, unfortunately