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The method of cutting regular squares described before is only suitable
for personal use or small group. Besides , it requires certain
practices to attain the desirable accuracy and efficiency. In cases
where large squares are needed in large quantity within a short
period of time , for example in giving origami lessons to a large number
of students , we probably need a special device to help. This
can be done by modifying a paper cutter to cope with this problem. The
most suitable size of the paper cutter is the one which is used
to cut A3 size paper. The paper cutter must be equipped with a stabilizer
arm. This not only serves to stabilize the paper being cut ,
but also acts as a safety device.
A) Tools needed to modify the
cutter
1/ 45/set square
| Same
as the type used in cutting regular squares. A larger one would
also be preferred. |
2/ a straight ruler
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The width of the ruler should be large or you can combine
two as one. It should also possess the features as the set
square's ,
ie minimum thickness 2mm , and with straight edge. |
| The
underlying principle of this modified device is actually the
same as the manual method described before. We fix the
45° set square into the board so that its slanted side is
in an angle of 45° to the cutting edge of the cutter. The
straight ruler
is used to assist in getting the best position of the set square
on the board. |
B) Procedures for the
modification
Once the 45° relationship between
the slanted edge of the set square and the cutting edge
is established , fasten the ruler
and set square in place with strong adhesive tape as shown
in the photo.
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Note:
If the cutter is of
good quality , the top edge bar should be at true right angle
to the cutting edge. In this case , the 45°
relationship would be instantly obtained once the ruler and
set square are positioned as shown in the photo. However ,
this
may not be the case for a poorer quality one. In this case
, we need another 45° set square to do the calibration
before
applying the adhesive tape.
Also , once the cutter is modified , it can only perform the
new function, unless the set square and ruler are dismantled.
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C) Procedures of the operation
1/ First cut out a rough square
from a large sheet. Fold along the diagonal and then crease
firmly.
Put the slanted edge of the paper against the set square's
with its right edge protruding from the cutting edge by
about
1cm.This is to ensure the layers of paper within the cutting
edge are in complete overlap with each other.
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| 2/
Fix the paper in place with your left hand , pull down the
cutting knife and a 45° corner is obtained. |
| 3/
Turn the uncut portion of the paper over into the starting
position and repeat the cutting procedures. In the end , a
regular square is obtained.
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c)
Note:
As
a whole this method is less accurate than the manual method
by several factors, first , the intrinsic factors of the cutter
,
second , the accuracy of the modification and finally the handling
procedures. However its convenience in handling and
incomparable speed would prove itself a helpful device. In addition
, no prior practice is needed to operate this device and
even children can handle it after being instructed.
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