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#1
Show and Tell / Re: Styrofoam blocks?
Last post by HotwireDirect - December 13, 2013, 07:53:28 AM
$750 for a single block sounds high.

We keep a rather comprehensive list here:
http://www.hotwiredirect.com/eps-block-molders/

The closest I see on there are Grenada, MS and Houston, TX which are both quite a distance.

For 1lb foam in Iowa where I'm located it's available for under $200, and 2lb foam for a little over $300 plus shipping. Sometimes there are higher prices for 1 qty, and price breaks for higher quantities that are worth asking your block molder about. Also the prices do fluctuate with petroleum prices as Polystyrene is made from a combination of Ethylene and Benzene which are petroleum based products.
#2
Show and Tell / Re: Styrofoam busines start up
Last post by HotwireDirect - December 13, 2013, 07:33:17 AM
Hi Mooremetal,

We usually let our customers decide for themselves if buying our equipment is a good business decision since there are a lot of factors in running a successful business including geographic location and personal know how and connections to the market.

I can only suggest you do your homework and be comfortable with it. If you decide to go ahead, we sell great machines that can help you be productive and I hope we would get your business.

John
#3
Show and Tell / Styrofoam blocks?
Last post by mooremetal2 - November 21, 2013, 02:31:34 PM
Does anyone know where to buy styrofoam blocks 4x4x8 ft. close to New orleans for a decent price.  I have found blocks for $750 but I know they can be sold much cheaper?

#4
Show and Tell / Styrofoam busines start up
Last post by mooremetal2 - November 21, 2013, 02:30:04 PM
I am trying to start a new company with a cnc and wire cutter.  I want to do
Art but would like as well to make money cutting architectural foam.  Does anyone know what way would be best to make money out of the box with the equipment?  I am trying to show my partner I can make at least 15k a month with the machine to start it off. Does anyone have any expertise in a start up and somewhere I could get some numbers together to prove the viability of a foam start up?
#5
Show and Tell / Re: increase wire capacity
Last post by HotwireDirect - October 14, 2013, 01:45:54 PM
Hi Hector,

There is not a simple answer I can give you on the forum.

Please contact us in order to discuss this: 
http://www.hotwiredirect.com/contact/

Thanks,
John
#6
Show and Tell / increase wire capacity
Last post by hpadres - October 07, 2013, 10:43:39 AM
We have a 8700 cutter, and we'ill like to increase the number of wires (actually 3 of 10')
Is possible? at what cost?

Thanks
Héctor Padrés
#7
Styropoxy / Re: Spraying Styropoxy
Last post by HotwireDirect - August 29, 2013, 11:23:32 AM
We advise against thinning the Styropoxy and I have not tried this. I'm not saying you can't try it, but our formulary technicians say it's not a good idea.
#8
Styropoxy / Re: Spraying Styropoxy
Last post by imageres - August 29, 2013, 11:12:34 AM
Is it possible to reduce the Styropoxy in order to make it more sprayable>
#9
Styropoxy / Re: Spraying Styropoxy
Last post by HotwireDirect - August 27, 2013, 10:06:44 AM
Hi Imageres,

Even though we have not found a great way to spray large quantities of the Styropoxy 7015 and 7060 at this time, it is spray-able with a gel coat gun found here:

http://www.fibreglast.com/product/Gel_Coat_Cup_Gun_00120_A/spray-guns-and-equipment

The 3/16" I/D opening is perfect for the Styropoxy as it's very thick. You also need to hold the gun pointed to the ceiling if you are not actively trying to spray as the material can drip out the large orifice otherwise.

The thing is from tests it was producing the most smooth molds when you brush after spraying. Two coats (brushed each time) produced the finest results.

So for some users the spraying becomes redundant and only makes more clean up than needed. For others it is a good way to apply it. I'll leave that call up to the users.

In tests with other gravity feed HVLP guns it was possible to spray, but it applied the material so slowly it may aggravate the user and test their patience.

One sure way to apply it is to mix and pour evenly across the foam then spread with brush. I typically use the disposable brushes, but it will clean up with Acetone, Alcohol, or warm soapy water if you want to reuse your brushes.

#10
Styropoxy / Spraying Styropoxy
Last post by imageres - August 26, 2013, 11:17:55 AM
I am looking for some guidelines on using a sprayer to apply Styropoxy for mold building. What type of sprayers work best and where can they be purchased; and general techniques for application. What I am looking for is an application method that will produce a smooth finish without a lot of hand finishing.