Cut from roll

[JohnMcafee]

Being new to roller pressing, for a while I had a really akward system that involved taking the roll of laminate off the wall holder, unfurling, and cutting off a piece to the requird size before re-rolling and placing back on the wall. Our current shop layout doesn't lend itself to butting a table to the wall below the holder, which would simplify the process, so today I came up with this idea which I'm quite pleased with. And while it is a bit of a lash-up at the moment (there are a few refinements planned for Mark-2) it really is quite functional just as it is.

I hope the images are clear enough to tell the story, so briefly:-
Two straight edges (or bits of moulding) are attached, at the ends only, to a slightly flexible backing - in this case, black foamex.
A gap is left between the two straight edges just wide enough to allow a blade to pass between and cut the material which has been pulled through between backing and straight edges to the required length.

After the material has been pulled through to the required length, it is easily cut by running a sharp knife along the straightedge.

cutter1.jpg

Eventually, a cutter will be made for each roll of material

cutter2.jpg

The basic layout.
Will probably bevel the leading edge of the foamex strip to allow for easier threading of the material.

cutter3.jpg

The Mark-2 version will be suspended from the wall rather than from the bar above so as not to obstruct roll replacement.

cutter4.jpg

[GeoSpectrum]

Nice. Have a chat with the makers of the roll holders, they might be interested in adopting your idea.