Hardware and Tools - Printing in Plastic: Build Your Own 3D Printer - page 9

Figure 2-1. A table saw will make the accurate cuts needed for the 3DP.

A table saw will allow you to cut some of the longer edges needed with more accuracy and a
smoother cut surface. Make certain when you're using the saw fence that your cut will be square.

■ Note A good way to ensure that a cut part will be square is to simply measure before cutting. Measure the

distance from the front of the saw blade to the fence. Then measure from the back of the saw blade to the fence.
Check to be sure that both measurements are the same. If they are, then your fence is square. If not, then at least
you know about the problem before making a cut.

Some of the parts used in the 3DP have a matching component (such as a left side and a right side
piece), and a table saw with a cutting fence will allow you to cut duplicate parts with matching
dimensions easily. Once you set the distance between the fence and the blade, you can be reasonably
confident that a second piece will match the first piece in at least one dimension (length or width).
Are there options if you don't have access to a table saw? Yes. You can use a circular saw with the
proper type of cutting blade (for plywood) like the one in Figure 2-2. Make certain that you clamp a level
or other straight edge to the piece that you plan to cut to guide the circular saw. And if you're not
completely familiar with circular saws, you should know that the best way to cut with them is to use a
pair of saw horses, otherwise you cut into any material beneath the piece you're cutting.