2b. Use the hacksaw to make a
shallow notch across the top of
the rod where it’s marked.
2c. Insert the rod and drill a small
5" pilot hole through the rail and
into and through the aluminum rod.
Drive a nail into the hole and through
the rod. This prevents the rod from
swiveling in its hole as you cut in
different directions.
3. MAKE AND ATTACH THE CUTTING WIRE
3a. Thread 2 nuts onto the bolt. Wrap,
then tie the nichrome wire around the
bolt, and add the remaining 2 nuts.
Tighten the 2 nuts in the middle to
pinch the wire.
3b. Align the nuts so that they all lie
flat. Put a drop of super glue on them
to lock them tight.
3c. Thread the nichrome wire through
the marked hole in the pegboard (from
Step 2a) and pull it up vertically. Press
the tip of the rod down slightly and
hold it there. (You want a little springy
tension to keep the wire taut.) At the
same time, make a loop in the wire so
that the tip of the loop just reaches the
deflected rod. Hold that loop and tie it
off in a simple overhand knot.
As you press the rod down, slip the loop over the rod and into the notch. Let go. The gentle spring force
of the rod should make the wire taut. If it’s too loose, shorten the wire by tying another knot. Trim any
stray ends.
Make: 119
