Same, I didn't cut at even feet, and it works fine. Just make sure to throw some electrical tape on the end to insulate and it will work.

As for how hot it gets when you just plug it in, I've never tried... But I do know that Flexwatt isn't CSA approved in Canada, because of the fire hazard it poses when it's not hooked up to a control of some kind. So my guess is it gets pretty hot I have seen pictures of flexwatt with big burn holes in it from overheating... Again, pretty hot, wouldn't recommend trying it unless you've got flexwatt to burn!