Tape Cutting Dispenser

thingiverse

I use a lot of painter's tape in my work, which requires me to affix repair orders to customers' equipment without leaving any residue behind. Painter's tape is easy to remove and clean up after use. However, I found it frustrating to select the right amount of tape from the roll, often using too much or not enough. The ragged edges of tearing the tape also bothered me, but these were minor complaints that I wanted to address. To solve this issue, I designed a machine that feeds painter's tape from a holding spool down and underneath a large geared paddle wheel. As the user turns a large knob counter-clockwise, the tape is adhered to one of the paddles. The tape then passes through a smaller geared paddle gear with three razor blades, cutting it into uniform lengths of about 1 inch. To build this machine, you will need some super glue and Gorilla Glue for assembly. You'll also require some 3/16th metal rod, disposable safety-razor blades (similar to those used in pre-1950s safety razors), and a tape spool. Insert the three blades into the 28-toothed wheel, applying a dab of Gorilla Glue on their faces. This helps hold them in place as they cure. Next, attach the 28-tooth cap over the hub. Align the large hub with the smaller one so that the razor blade lines up with the double-tooth feature of the larger hub. My machine was designed for use with 0.75-inch painter's tape, but you can modify it to accommodate other sizes by creating your own spool and spaces. The acorn nuts on this machine have a slight taper on their inner diameters, allowing them to hold the spool securely without glue. A simple press fit should be enough. I've provided my Fusion 360 files for anyone who wants to adapt or modify this design as needed. However, please exercise caution when using this machine, as it employs razor blades that are extremely sharp and can cause serious injuries if not handled carefully. Be aware of the risks involved, especially children, and let a grown-up handle any necessary medical attention.