I have a bunch of 3" high dummies. I make 4" high cakes - no idea why I bought 3" dummies, and I can't return them, so I'd like to do something with them. Ideally I'd cut 1" off some, to add to the others for 4" of height (make sense?)

Anyone know what's the best tool for cutting styrofoam without filling the house with little white balls for the next 10 years? Thx.

There is a 'hot wire' tool that you can get at places like Michael's. It runs on flashlight batteries; just heat and run it thru the styro. It's not all that big/wide(?) so not sure what size dummies you have and if it will work for sure.

If you have an electric carving knife, those work really well. The heat that is generated while the blades are moving back and forth kind of "seals" it as it cuts so it is a nice smooth cut. (that is my theory anyhow!)

I have the plug in cutter --it's like twenny bucks--yes I know I spelled that wrong I like it--

If I was gonna do that thick of a cut and want it to be accurate, I think I'd use a nice thin blade. I think my hot cutter would be cumbersome--it works great for things that are a few inches thick-- 8 or 10 inches thick is a tall order for mine. The blade will get lost in there.

Idea for you--get a one inch sheet of styrofoam. Draw circles on it the sizes you need--cut those out with your hot cutter or a knife--much smarter than slicing up your dummies to me. That's what I would do.

In fact, I'd cut them out a tid tad larger then sand them down--I go out in the back yard to do it.

But for indoors only and with the windows open-- you could be real accurate with inch thick foam and the hot cutter. I recommend the electric one because the heat is constant. I'd be leary of battery operated but I've never used that kind.

Foam cuttin' thoughts for you.

I had the plug in one, and I busted the thin hot cutting part off first time I used it - so if you are using that tool be careful with it - it breaks off kinda easy IMO. (I was out my 20 bucks then)

Thanks for the great ideas Love the idea of not having to cut the 3" thick stuff, but instead cut 1" to match!! Thx for that K8.

I'd prefer not to buy specialist equipment that I'll likely not use again (since I can now source 4" dummies) - would rather save my twenny bux (which I also like to say, despite my Brit accent!!)

Yer Welcome, TubbsC Buddy.

and Loucinda, yes the foam cutter is like chocolate--it's on it's own temperature timetable--you just ain't gonna rush it. Which is why I'd be suspect of the battery powered one for big jobs especiallly.

And why a good ole cheap thin steak knife is often my weapon of choice along with a chaser of sand paper.