Heating up a wire using electrical current

[Beatriz Perez]

I have very little knowledge when it comes to physics. I'm trying to heat up a guitar string using electricity. The power source is 5 amps and only slightly heats up the string. I need a wire to get hot enough to cut through styrofoam. Please help with wire and power source suggestions.

 

[Nidum]

I made myself one years ago - worked quite well .

Lot's of construction information here :

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=p...-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=YDw2VoTMAcHTUdS3npgH

 

[CWatters]

How long do you need the wire to be? If you can make it shorter it will get hotter.

There are tables here to help find the right wire gauge, length current and voltage. You may need to experiment.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Hot-Wire-Cutter-Guide-AC-adapter-guitar-strin/

5A is on the low side for long wires.