In a message dated 1/23/2001 5:13:07 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< I have used circuits in which a hot wire formed one leg of a "wheatstone
 bridge" and power was controllably fed to the bridge in such a way as to
 keep the bridge balanced, whereby the temperature of a wire was kept
 essentially constant despite thermal loading.  This method relies on the
 positive temperature coefficient of resistance of the wire.  As long as the
 entire length of the wire is immersed together in the honey, wax, etc.,
 this might work.  If the full length is not kept immersed, the part in the
 air is apt to burn out when the rest is immersed.
  >>
My father's business was making packaging.  He used to cut expanded
polystyrene (Styrofoam) billets, by means of hot wires.  The wires lasted for
years.  I don't remember much talk of burned wires.

The wire was a resistance material called "Nichrome".  The power to the wires
was supplied by means of a variable rheostat.  It was really a simple
mechanism.  It would be interesting to see the application as an uncapper.
The portion of the wire which is exposed to the air during the uncapping
process might get hot enough to burn honey, however.  I believe it is really
worth a try.

Bob Bassett - An opinion worth at least 2 cents?