Rod Cutting Jig

thingiverse

I'm currently assembling my own 3D printer from scratch, and crafted this device to guarantee that all the rods I cut are of equal length. Cut the first rod to size, and fit it into the device using it as a template to cut the following rods to "Exactly" the same length. I say exactly as it will be 0 - 1 mm off depending on the type of tool used, but makes it much easier to file down to the correct size opposed to cutting with a grinder. I did cut them as close as possible using a large grinder first, and then trimmed down the ones that were too long with the dremel after. However, I don't see why you couldn't use it from the start. I added space for 4mm screws and corresponding nuts (Nyloc) which are about 3mm thick by 6.9mm on the flat side by 7.75mm on the point. It's designed so that the nut is below the channel to ensure a 12mm rod can fit in without scraping against the nut. This will also allow smaller rods to be clamped into place. I have provided the stl's for both sides of the device, and top and bottom pieces of the device incase you ever need to print replacements of either.