How to Cut Hard Microcrystalline Wax

I did this at TechShop Menlo Park. http://www.techshop.com

A large chunk of microcrystalline wax is not easily cut or broken. We had to get creative with the solution.

Step 1: Tried Using a Saw

And it gummed up the blade right away.

Step 2: Introduce Electrical Heat

We figured we would use a car battery charger to introduce heat to the blade.

Step 3: Charged Saw

It worked for a second but didn't get too far. Maybe because the blade surface being too big to send an even charge.

Step 4: Wire Cutter

Using conductive copper wire and two sticks of wood we created a cutter. It didn't work by itself but charging it helped.

Step 5: Cut

Electricity provided heat for the wire which cut through the wax nicely and easily!

Step 6: Chunks of Wax

The smaller chunks of wax are much easier to work with. I am using them for lost wax casting.
Enjoy!