How To Make A Better Cardboard Cutter

Out of necessity a few years ago, I decided to make a better paper and cardboard cutter. I had mat knives and they worked well, but blades are expensive, and I always seemed to have many dull ones and then didn't want to make a store run.  Solution: make a holder for the standard box cutter. Goal was to make a tool that would hold the cutter so as to avoid any angled cuts on the cardboard, one that would cut a precise, straight cut line, and, perhaps most importantly, use the regular cheap one edge razor blades that can be purchased in bulk. I have found them at swap meets very cheaply, but even retail is about 5 cents a blade.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

I use plain pine lumber, cut to shape as shown. Follow the pictures and cut the pieces as indicated. I wanted the final piece to fit my hand, so I angled the blocks and sanded everything down to round of any sharp edges.  I used the table saw, bandsaw, sander, and drill press in the production of these pieces.

Comments

[kathyh239]

Creativeman, You have hit another one out of the ballpark here. If I weren't already married, I would certainly propose to you AGAIN. My husband and I aren't remotely as handy as you (and we don't have the tools to make these). Have you ever considered selling them? I think you have a winner here.

[Creativeman]

Thanks Kathy: where have you been? I like to make tools to make things easier, so came up with this...would sell, but don't like the business end of it. did you want to buy one?

[probablepossible]

Sell them on etsy.com!

[cornboy3]

I use a bandsaw :P

[RedneckEngineer]

This is one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" ibles! Great use of making a tool to improve something so simple! Useing the stick guide for each one is also a slick idea. Have you thought about makeing one that has adjustable cut depth? Could be usefull for just scoreing one side or for thicker board. Great insperation for my next tool! THANKS!

[Creativeman]

Thanks for the comment. I didn't want to make an adjustable cut as most usable cardboard is just as thick or thinner than the depth of cut of the box cutter knife. Not a bad idea, though. Cman

[Ninzerbean]

Pretty dang cool!

[Creativeman]

Hey, thanks Ninzer! Cman

[Beagles]

Excellent info, I thank you. I was curious as to how that box cutter was retained in the holder, but your "Instructable" explains that nicely.............a hole drilled through the cutter's handle. As they say, "why re-invent the wheel when it is already done". Beagles

[keydogstony]

I like it! Sure could have used this in the past. Got to make one.