By Ty Finocchiaro

The Wonder Cutter is among one of the most useful terrain modeling tools available to the Games Workshop hobbyist. It allows you to create hills, rocks, and other cool scenery from pink insulation foam with ease. All by itself, the foam doesn't look like much, but when you use the Wonder Cutter on it, you transform the material into useful terrain for just about any game system. This article is here to provide you with a "starter course" on using this valuable tool. After running through each project here, you'll be a veritable whiz with the Wonder Cutter, and you can begin to try complex new designs. However, before you delve into one of the projects listed in the navigation at the bottom of the page, let's have look at the Wonder Cutter itself.

How Do You Assemble It?
The Wonder Cutter is a relatively simple, battery powered device. All you need are two D batteries to supply the juice necessary for operation. There are five parts to the cutter: batteries, spring, cap, cutting wire, and main body. For your safety, make sure you don't insert the batteries until the device is assembled.

To assemble the device, wrap and knot the cutting wire around the metal connecting loop in the main body, then pull the wire taut around the metal arm above the loop. The metal arm has a small niche for the cutting wire to rest in. Use this to your advantage as you pull the wire taut. Once the cutting wire is tight (but not too tight, or it will snap), wrap the excess wire around and around the metal arm to keep it taut. Finally, twist the last bit of wire into a knot to secure it upon the metal arm. Slap two D batteries in the main body, followed by the spring, and twist on the cap to complete the circuit. Switch the metal tab to "ON" when you are ready to cut some foam.

How Does It Work?
This awesome hobby tool harnesses the power of two D batteries that heat the wire through good old electrical resistance. Once hot (which only takes seconds), the wire slices through foam "like butta'." This device allows you to cut with an ease and precision not possible with a hobby knife (which tends to shred the foam while cutting). It also creates interesting textures and shapes that look complex, but are done with a simple use of the wire.

Is It Hard to Use?
The Wonder Cutter is a snap to use. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be shocked by the amount of cool terrain (like the stuff pictured here) you can pump out in minutes. Simply guide the cutting wire along, and it smoothly cuts through the foam. There is really nothing to it. There are a few safety issues associated with this tool that should be addressed, so head on over to the "Do Not's" of Wonder Cutting before starting.