Wireless Ultrasonic Cutter

[MunroIII]

I have seen advertisements for wireless ultrasonic cutters (knives). They seem somewhat pricy so I ask if any members have experience with them and if they are worth the price.

 

[POPEYE_DA_SAILOR]

I have seen advertisements for wireless ultrasonic cutters (knives). They seem somewhat pricy so I ask if any members have experience with them and if they are worth the price.

I've had many years of experience with wireless cutters, so I can't see much point in paying anything for an ultrasonic one. A sharp knife, chisel, saw, file, or other abrasive material has always done the job adequately for me. If cost were any consideration, I'd think my money would be better spent on some good sharpening gear instead.

Seriously, though, I think ultrasonic cutters promise some advantage if one is working with plastics. They would speed up the tedium of removing injection molding "flash" and fairing sprue attachment points on plastic model kit parts. I suspect that the ultrasonic cutters have come onto the market coincident with the increase in 3D printing which often involves a lot of "sprues" and "supporting structures" in the process. Generally, high-speed vibrations are more effective on rigid materials like plastics and less effective on softer, less rigid materials like wood. One drawback to working with high-speed tools on plastics is that they tend to generate a lot of heat which can melt many types of plastic. The other limitation with blades which vibrate with ultrasonic speed (a term of art, I'm sure, since I can't imagine they really move faster than the speed of sound) is that they necessarily dull a cutting edge at "ultrasonic speed" as well.

Then again, I'm a guy, so probably not your best authority when it comes to recommending vibrating tools.

 

[Bryian]

I have a hanboost ultrasonic cutter and it’s terrific. I use it for removing 3d printed parts. Initially I thought it didn’t work as it’s silent and doesn’t vibrate visibly, but when you touch it against plastic it cuts superbly.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Popeye, what might you be implying?