Last weekend I started assembling the rafters for the warehouse. After a full week, I've managed to assemble two. Measure, cut, swear, measure, cut, glue, measure, cut, swear, swear, measure - see a pattern here? With the need for so many identical pieces, measuring and cutting each one individually just doesn't work. Today, I picked up The Chopper. I wish I'd bought one before I even started construction. After reading the instructions, and the helpful safety tip I was able to, in just under an hour, cut all of the pieces necessary to assemble all of the remaining rafters. After another hour or so, I had four of them finished. The two shown below are the original two that took all week to build. The new ones from today are still pressed between sheets of wax paper, waiting for the glue to dry. Three more to build, and I'm done...
The Chopper II is even better. I'm sure NWSL (first picture), which stands for NorthWest Short Lines, appreciates this ad.
The right tool for the job makes all the difference in the world. I have the NWSL Chopper II, and it's a fantastic tool.
I love the Chopper Yeah it took me forever to buy it. I kept seeing the Chopper and thinking, man that's just an overpriced paper cutter. Well I was wrong. This thing is dead on, the cutting arm doesn't wobble, and the blade is replaceable, the angle jigs and clamps are invaluable. This is a great little tool!
Chopper or Chopper II? What are the advantages/disadvantages of one or the other? One of them is coming to my bench soon to overcome the none-too-accurate mitre box and saw.
I had seen this before and had never seen the price. I checked out the website and once the construction begins on the layout I will use the allowance to get one.
I have always wondered about this tool. Does it come with those angles for aligning wood? I would also be curious to know if it is easy to change out blades.
I have the chopper too. But an newer one. I like it and it's very useful. I has two parts with different angles. 30, 45 and 60 deg and 90 of course. BTW, I have the first blade though I bought a few more, when I got the chopper. Wolfgang
The angled mitre guides are included. The blades are simple, cheap single-edged razor blades, and changing them out is a simple as removing two screws.
"Off label" use of the NSWL Chopper II If you ever need to cut a live 120V extention cord, the NWSL Chopper II does a dandy job! Of course, only one cut per blade is guaranteed, but the blade is easily replaced. A carpeted floor seems to have helped (I'm still here to talk about it!). It would appear that a stockinged foot met the handle of the Chopper II over a live extention cord one day while the owner of the foot was distracted by searching for a coupler spring. They liked each other and shook over the cord--they didn't let it get between them.:tb-wink: Alas, the relationship was a turn-off; the Chopper II and foot parted ways, the cord has since split, and the electricity was discharged. Yours metaphorically, Richard "Magneto" M.
I've thought about getting this, but it didn't look like it would do me much good. Does it chop sheet styrene, and if so, up to what thickness?
I bought the Chopper II a number of years ago mainly for my model airplane free flight models. I is perfect for cutting the many balsa sticks that make up the airframe. I have also used it extensively with my O and N projects with both scale lumbar and styrene (perfect for styrene sign posts). One of my best tools in the workshop.
Wow. That blade is real gem. laugh: :we2-policeman: OK. That was bad, I admit it. I'll just go quietly, officer. Leaving now.
I got the Chopper II about 8 months ago. It's great for cutting narrow strips, but the blade is several degrees off from square. I called NWSL and they said that was common and there was nothing that could be done. Maybe I'll try and put a small wedge in the blade holder.
Chopper II not Square? That is disconcerting. I don't think mine is not square. Perhaps mine is not exact but certainly not several degrees off. IMHO, it is not a useful tool if it is not square. I don't know how to fix it but I would be interested in a solution.
