Receipt Tube Cutting Jig

I used to run a small convenience store for 8 years. I did not want to discard the receipt tubes when I had to replace the receipt paper roll. Because the tubes, no matter the material or the size, are quite rigid and look like endless production of material units that I can make something of. I have always been willing to experiment with my collections to explore the possibilities of repurposing the tubes before they are recycled. If succeed, the source of material will be accessible from the retailing merchant by anyone so that they are able to make useful projects at home. In doing so, the burden on the environment during the recycling process could be reduced.

Tjbanjo (https://www.instructables.com/Carpet-Tube-Lincoln-Log-style-log-fort-or-house/) saved the cardboard tubes from flooring and built a log house indoors for kids. He designed a smart way to measure and mark the tubes using a cut-out template. As a result, the logs cut by chop saw and jigsaw fit together nicely.

Inspired by tjbanjo’s work, I would like to transform my receipt tube collections into the same logs for kids to build a mini house. But the receipt tubes are relatively small (79 x 18.5mm) with a rigid shell (3mm thick) that are hard and unsafe to machine with a power saw. Thus, a cutting jig might be a solution for this material.

Design Intent for a Jig

• 3D printed
• Fabricate safely
• DIY Homemade possible
• Unified output
• Manual error minimised
• Durable for small batch production (30-100) 

ordinary 3D printer, 80 grit sandpaper, 2x screws, calliper, sanding stick

The dimensions might need to be adjusted according to the size of your tube collections and screws available. stl file is included but I will update it using fx parameters soon. In a low resolution, it will be printed out within 3.5 hours.

Briefly sand the printed piece on the edges and corners before double-sided taped or clamped to a working surface.

Saw the stick to the tube width and double-sided tape the 80 grits sand paper onto it.

• Once securing the jig on a working surface, press the tube into the bottom plane of the middle slot. Fasten the side screws to lock the tube.
• Sand within the grooves using the sanding stick. Try to stay parallel to the sanding plane. Do not damage the grooves.
• Release the side screws and flip the tube.
• Eye check through the observation channel between screws and tube. Ensure the screws go into the holes from first penetrations when flipping over.
• Sand the other side.
• Take it out and work on the next one until you have enough tube logs for your building.