Another balsa stripper

thingiverse

I don't see one that is sturdy, precision, easy to use and also easy for me to print in ABS, so I tried to create my own again. This Balsa stripper allows you to cut a thin balsa with adjustable depth(by turning the knob) from less than 1mm to roughly 15~20mm, depends on how tight your print is. If you want a wider cut, you can probably make the stripper and the base track longer by enlarging one axis in the slicer and use a longer bolt. If you want to print the balsa thicker than 7/64" or ~2.8mm, you can try to enlarge on the z-axis from the slicer. However the blade might be more flexible when you extend it longer, so it might reduce the accuracy of the cut. Currently, I think mine is about +-0.1mm and I think cutting it along/against the grain also affecting this. If you are printing in ABS, make sure the side that balsa slides against does not warp. I have a tiny warp on one corner, but is manageable. Also the first layer is very important not missing any outlines, if you plan to cut a thinner balsa sheet. It takes about 2 hours to print @ 0.2mm layer and requires one M5 0.8 30mm hex bolt and 2x M5 nuts(other bolt/nut in similar size might also fit, like 10 32). You'll also needs 2 screws or 2 set of bolts/nuts to holder the blade in the blade holder. You can use a shorter hex bolt, but if you use a longer bolt, need to test fit the cavity inside the slider first. The blades I use came from a generic segmented/breakable utility knife, 0.3mm thick and ~8.5mm width for each breakable sections. If you have a different size, it's not difficult to design a replacement blade holder, the thin/flat piece. We're new in this catapult glider/airplane building and have quite a few building/trimming questions. If you don't mind and willing to share your experience, please leave a comment/PM.