Recommendations for Polystyrene Cutters for Nudura Build

[DrewG]

Hi, I've nearly completed the shell for a Nudura build (Just finishing cladding at moment). Looking for recommendations for polystyrene cutters for electrical boxes / switches , inserting PLY for curtain poles etc. Seems many varieties on Amazon. Build 3000 ft gone well with SIPS panels roof.

Cheers

 

[Tom]

I used one like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09PNLVHP3/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?pd_rd_i=B09PNLVHP3&pd_rd_w=A9PBE&content-id=amzn1.sym.9a64fe05-cdee-4d53-a27b-f3614d726545&pf_rd_p=9a64fe05-cdee-4d53-a27b-f3614d726545&pf_rd_r=3EBMY20F0XGQ0YFN5J7D&pd_rd_wg=D09Q1&pd_rd_r=67cd59af-6a3b-43d3-9e59-cf89b99b13de&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

 

Worked very well for our nudura build

[Nick Laslett]

I did not get on with Electric Hot knife at all. For conduit runs and back boxes I just used the multi-tool. Plunge cut little cubes and pop out with painters tool or other flat edge. 
 

If I was in a hurry for a long conduit run, I used the Bosch mini grinder to do the tram lines and then plunge cut with multitool to make the cubes. 
 

 

My electrician just used his chaser tool, with dust extraction. Very neat and quick. 
 

Just a reminder that EPS will degrade the PVC jacket on standard electric cabling. LSZH or use conduits. 

Edited July 1 by Nick Laslett

[DrewG]

Thanks, wasn't aware of the issue PVC and EPS. Will most probably try both your idea's and the cutter Tom's recommending.

 

[Redbeard]

4 hours ago, Nick Laslett said:

Just a reminder that EPS will degrade the PVC jacket on standard electric cabling.

 

I realise this post is in the context of EPS-clad blocks, but a reminder that XPS also leaches the plasticisers out of cable sheathing. I was once puzzled as to why I could not move a 2400 x 600 sheet of XPS I found in a loft void. It came up a little but would not 'let go of' something. Found it had 'glued' itself to a series of lighting cables!

[BotusBuild]

I got a hot knife which a blade you could bend to suitable shape, then cut channels for round conduit through which the wires were then fed.

I'll be back with a link

[BotusBuild]

some pics and a video

 

[BotusBuild]

The above item includes a link to the hot knife I bought. Not sure if still available

[DrewG]

On 01/07/2025 at 19:55, BotusBuild said:

some pics and a video

 

Thanks very helpful, looks like same hot knife recommended by another member.