Triangular Balsa Cutter

thingiverse

Although I could go out and buy triangular balsa ready cut to shape, I usually cut it down from square stock with a knife and a balsa plane. This method is quite wasteful and not easy on the fingers. To produce smaller quantities of triangle-shaped balsa, I use a tool that quickly cuts 1/2", 3/8" square, and 1/4" square balsa into triangular stock. The two parts of the cut 1/4" can be reassembled and turned through 90 degrees for another cut to produce 1/8" triangular stock. While the result isn't 100% exact, it's close enough for my needs. Occasionally, with harder-grained balsa or wavy grain, the knife blade doesn't stay exactly on the diagonal line, but I can still use both sides that are cut. The parts have been designed in Fusion 360 and then loaded into Cura to set them up ready for printing. The Body is printed with the balsa entry point downwards, as shown in the file. It's printed in PLA with a layer height of 0.2mm and 50% fill. The Blade Holders need to be laid flat for printing with the knife blade recess upwards. These are printed in PLA at a layer height of 0.2mm and 80% fill. The 6mm (1/4") & 9mm (3/8") Inserts are printed in PLA at a layer height of 0.2mm and 50% fill. No rafts, brims or supports are needed to assemble the cutter. To assemble it, you will need two 4mm nuts and bolts. I used 20mm button allen head bolts, but any will do. The nuts fit into the hex recesses. The knife blade is a "Stanley" craft knife blade, measuring 61mm long from point to point. As of January 15th, 2017, I added a 3/8" insert. Print Settings: Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.2mm Infill: 50% and 80%