Do I need a Transformer for this?

No. Transformer is inside, just plug into the wall and start cutting.

Can this cut the type of spongy - charcoal looking foam used in pelican cases? The same stuff as the acoustic foams.

That's exactly what I use mine for. A couple years ago my next door neighbor gave me half a dozen 3'x6' boxes of tight closed cell foam. Been making custom cutouts for friends until I deplete my foam supply. But hot wire cutters are useful for many other tasks. I was already a big fan of Proxxon tools, their rotary tool makes Dremels look like toys.

Will it cut polyurethane foam, the material a fun noodle is made of?

I'm pretty sure those pool noodles are made of polyethylene foam which is a thermoplastic. Since the cells are thin walled, a 360° cutter might work. Polyurethane is a thermoset material - and a hot wire might burn it's way through foamed urethane and not melt it as intended, but wouldn't be good for cutting planks or blocks of polyurethane. This would probably work best for polystyrene (and styrofoam), ABS plastic, low density polyethylene, and possibly thin low MW polypropylene.

What fumes are generated by the cutter and/or foam? What ventilation are you recommending? This is to be used in a university studio classroom.

We use ours for 1/2 hour or so at a time and have no problem with fumes. There is very little noticeable smoke or odor. But if one used it continuously, there might be a need for some external ventilation.

Manufacturer	Proxxon
Part Number	37080
Item Weight	7.9 pounds
Product Dimensions	17.32 x 4.53 x 13.19 inches
Item model number	37080
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Size	18"L x 18"W x 10"H
Color	Green
Style	Tools
Material	Plastic
Power Source	ac
Voltage	115 Volts
Item Package Quantity	1
Handle Material	Aluminum
Included Components	Assembly Guide
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	No
Warranty Description	PROXXON Inc. warrants to the original purchaser only, that all PROXXON consumer power tools will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase. Seller’s sole obligation and your exclusive remedy under this limited warranty and, to the extent permitted by law, any warranty or condition implied by law, shall be the repair or replacement of parts, without charge, which are defective in material or workmanship and which have not been misused, carelessly handled, or misrepaired by persons other than Seller or Authorized Service Station. This warranty does not apply to accessory items such as circular saw blades, drill bits, router bits, jigsaw blades, sanding belts and other related items. Damage to the product resulting from tampering, accident, abuse, negligence, unauthorized repairs or alterations, unapproved attachments or other causes unrelated to problems with material or workmanship are not covered by this warranty.

Proxxon Thermocut 115/E Auto-CAD Hot Wire Cutter with Large Table - Accessory for Thermocut Fence TA 300-37080

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