American Hotwire Machines: The VTL - Vertical Turning Lathe
The VTL option is available for cutting columns, bases, capitals, balusters, and other shapes that cannot be cut in the conventional manner with a straight hotwire. The VTL is controlled by the computer and can cut columns that are one piece (normally a column is 3 pieces, capital, body and base); or that bulge out in the middle (barrel shaped); or have a shape similar to a bowling pin; or faceted shapes. Flutes can be added that follow the curve of the column and that can exit the body of the column slightly before reaching the base and capital (recreating the look of authentic ancient columns). Rope columns are also easily cut.
The VTL is unique because it combines a lathe and turntable into one tool that does both types of cutting. Usually these are two different options, the turntable is used for cutting short shapes like capitals, bases, balusters, etc. and the long shapes are held horizontally and cut as on a lathe. The VTL does both by holding the block of foam vertically using a removable round rod or mandrel of any shape that holds the block securely while cutting. There is no support needed for the top end of the foam.
The cutting is done with one hotwire (faceted shapes) or with a thicker flat hotwire that can be bent into any required shape. The flat wire is held by an arm that mounts on the front harp carriage (the platform that moves vertically on the harp and carries the hotwires and the crossbar). This arm is included with the VTL option.
When you equip your SCULPTOR with the VTL option, you can cut shapes up to 8 feet in diameter. Although blocks that large are not available, you can trim normal blocks and bond them together to form shapes that are any size.
The VTL option includes the turntable that is installed into the SCULPTOR frame, one vertical rod that is held in a collet in the center of the turntable and holds the foam vertically for cutting, the arm that holds the formable flat cutting wire, the variable DC power supply to heat up the flat hotwire, and 20 feet of flat hotwire.
