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OK, this is not a super killer project or anything, its a 10 minute project that solve a problem and I'm secretly very satisfied with it. Maybe you'll find it useful.
Problem: You got these rolls of wrapping paper 24-36" wide and can't cut them straight.
Solution:
You get these inexpensive envelope openers for free with advertising, trade-shows etc. they have a slot to direct the flap/paper and at the base of the slot a small cutter to slice the paper, very safe etc. By themselves they won't cut straight, but with a straight guide slot, they'll cut straight lines.
So the jig is to get a 36" piece of scrap lumber like 1/2 to 3/4" thick, 3-6 inches wide and cut a small dado groove down the center wide wide enough to pass the bottom of the opener (about .175") and deep enough to place the slot opening at the top of the jig (about .2" deep); basically cut and fit. You want the wood heavy enough to stay in place.
It was two or three passes with the thin kerf blade to get it where is passed easily, no need to break out the dado blade. The slot can be pretty sloppy, 1/32th oversize is probably desireable. Like the pic below, so it will stand up and lean slightly if placed there. Rip fence microadjuster is perfect accessory to use here.
So now I can put the tip of the opener in the slot and zip a crosscut in the wrapping paper on a perfetctly straight line without even trying.
You just have to place a finger or two on the paper pressing it against the wood, to get the cut started with your other hand.
Pic below:
Problem: You got these rolls of wrapping paper 24-36" wide and can't cut them straight.
Solution:
You get these inexpensive envelope openers for free with advertising, trade-shows etc. they have a slot to direct the flap/paper and at the base of the slot a small cutter to slice the paper, very safe etc. By themselves they won't cut straight, but with a straight guide slot, they'll cut straight lines.
So the jig is to get a 36" piece of scrap lumber like 1/2 to 3/4" thick, 3-6 inches wide and cut a small dado groove down the center wide wide enough to pass the bottom of the opener (about .175") and deep enough to place the slot opening at the top of the jig (about .2" deep); basically cut and fit. You want the wood heavy enough to stay in place.
It was two or three passes with the thin kerf blade to get it where is passed easily, no need to break out the dado blade. The slot can be pretty sloppy, 1/32th oversize is probably desireable. Like the pic below, so it will stand up and lean slightly if placed there. Rip fence microadjuster is perfect accessory to use here.
So now I can put the tip of the opener in the slot and zip a crosscut in the wrapping paper on a perfetctly straight line without even trying.
You just have to place a finger or two on the paper pressing it against the wood, to get the cut started with your other hand.
Pic below:
Attached Files
Loring in Katy, TX USA
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