These cutters are designed to cut plugs up to 1 1/4″ long for use in tying ants, hoppers, mayflies, and almost any of the normal dry fly patterns one uses for trout. There is a learning curve involved when dealing with any new material. Foam is no different. A drill press, if one is available, will let you get the maximum utilization from a given block of foam. A hand drill should be run at top speed, or at least 1,000 RPM to cut a plug.
To start with, I recommend dipping the cutter in soapy water before attempting to cut a plug. Liquid dish soap, and a 35 mm film canister work very well for this purpose. The soapy water reduces the friction involved, which can cause twisting. Be sure the cutters do not come in contact with hard surfaces, such as wood or metal. Place the block to be cut on a soft surface, such as another block of foam, or over a hole, such as utilized with a drill press. Do not use drill speeds in excess of 3,000 RPM due to the heat created by the friction involved. To remove a plug from the cutters, a round wooden toothpick works well.
If you should ever have a problem with any of our products, you can return it to us with a brief explanation of the problem, and we will repair or replace it.; If a refund is desired, simply return the cutter to the shop where you purchased it, and we will honor our guarantee with them. If you purchased it from us, simply put the approximate time of purchase, and the reason you are returning it, and we will promptly send you a refund.
Address all correspondence to:
Steve Winters
S2606 Coon Bluff Road
Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA