3D-Printed Corner Cutting Tool
This corner cutting jig wasn’t my first experience with 3d-printing tools for bookbinding. However, it was the first one to be practical and something that I really liked to use!
From the day I’ve assembled my first 3d-printer, I’ve been looking for some ways to print tools and other small things applicable during bookbinding processes. Besides some rulers and straight edges, I’ve printed a folder (it was not as good as I hoped – I probably need to play with different types of plastic) and sewing frame keys.
This time I decided to print corner cutting jigs. You know, these small things that help to make 45° cuts at the corners of the covering material to make the turn-ins almost seamless and perfect?
I had a chance to test my first batch with my students at the regular workshop for kids I have here in Moscow. Some of them were already experienced with cutting corners by eye or with a ruler, some of them were bookbinding newbies. Anyway, all of them really liked these small tools.
However, I myself didn’t like how the jig was working. My intention was to make that vertical wall as a protection from cutting your fingers (bookbinding for kids, you know). And it appeared to be a bit unhandy to cut the corners with a utility knife when this vertical side of the jig was so high. It was a bit better with a bookbinder’s knife that is sharpened only at one side.
The other thing I didn’t like was that the tool was too short. Usually I cut the covering material 3 cm away from the edge of the bookbinding board. That leaves plenty material to turn to the insides of the covers. Besides, most of my straight edges are 3 cm wide. And this corner cutting tool was too short to reach the edges.
After the class I came home and updated my 3d-model to better suit my needs and my taste.
Here is what I have got now:
Resulting turn-ins (they are not glued here, just turned):
And I really like it! Next step is to print jigs suitable for different cardboard thicknesses (now it is adapted for 1,75 mm thick boards).
I also thought about making a sort of overhang over that area where the corner of cardboard is put. But now I’m not sure it is really needed. The printed structure is stable enough and I had no trouble holding it.
I would like to ask your advice on what improvements could I make for this 3d-printed corner cutting jig.
If you have any ideas on what other bookbinding tools and jigs could be 3d-printed, I would be glad to see them in the comments section below and to sketch some more models!
Update:
I’ve added the jig to my Etsy shop, you may find it here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BonefolderClub?ref=l2-shopheader-name§ion_id=22162355
The current price is $4.90. Shipping is 4.30$
However, the same shipping price applies for bundles up to 3 jigs. That’s why I added a set of jigs at $9.90 here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/549633457/3d-printed-corner-cutting-tool-for
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