Wire cutting machine, selection of the transformer and regulation

Hi.
I have a little problem. The boss asked me if I could make a satin ribbon cutter. A kind of simple matter. Mains transformer, two screws, resistance wire.
In practice, the luck is very hot and I think that when you work it will fry you in your own sauce for about an hour or two.
In Majsterkowo, I think I saw a post where someone was building a wire cutter and it seems that he fried two or three transformers. Link to the topic DIY
It said that the transformer must be around 3.5V and 3A.
In order not to incur costs related to the purchase of further transformers, I am asking you, if anyone made such a ribbon tweeter? Possibly what parameters should a transformer have for such a device.
Second, is it possible to easily adjust the temperature to withstand the transformer's short-circuit current? I was thinking about some massive switch that turns on high power resistors. I will add that the resistance wire has something like 0.6 mm. I will check it carefully.
It's like Comrades? Will you help?

Measure precisely the resistance of the set and think how much you are overloading the transformer. Better you buy one that won't run very much in short circuit current. By the way, I once made an electrolyser working 24/7 for over a month, which consumed over 100W from a 40W transformer. A large copper heat sink and a delicate fan were enough and the transformer inside was about 55 degrees.

As for the regulation, I recommend going to some electronic exchange and buying a 2 ohm 100W potentiometer, it can be done for PLN 100

Michal.elektryk wrote:

As for the regulation, I recommend going to some electronic exchange and buying a 2 ohm 100W potentiometer, it can be done for PLN 100

He will buy a ready-made device for PLN 100.
Better to buy a variable transformer.
Something like that:
https://www.google.pl/search?q=transformator+...&biw=1920&bih=974&dpr=1#imgrc=IilpGQVQCaZGxM:

Or maybe instead of miracles, be interested in resistance wire, instead of steel cutting for "hot knife"? Then you operate on slightly higher voltages, but lower currents - the transformer does not work in a short-circuit condition. And then everything can be calculated mathematically from Ohm's law. As in the case of polystyrene cutters - only there, as a rule, even a steel wire is suitable, due to the considerable length.

I reheat because I finally started doing it. At work, they bought me a 24V garage transformer.
I unwound the winding "a little" and it came out around 3.6V. Works cool. The wire does not heat up too much and the temperature is just right for the ribbon to melt. I tried with regulation but found that the simpler the better and more resistant. I will add some thermal protection to the transformer and a timer so that someone does not leave it unattended. Thanks for the help. Subject to be closed.