Accessibility and independence
Ready for all the tips and tricks to help master the Makedo Safe-Saw?
Cardboard is your canvas, and the Safe-Saw is how you shape it. Designed to be safe enough for little hands but capable enough for big builds, the Safe-Saw cuts through cardboard with ease. Learn the basics and a few clever tricks, and you'll be cutting curves, centre circles, and everything in between like a pro.
Tips for Cutting
The Safe-Saw is your go-to tool for cutting cardboard. Built for makers of all ages, its unique teeth grip and cut, not slice, so you stay in control every time.
Safe-Saw tips
Saw, don’t slice: Cut with the teeth, not the tip.
Hold it steady: Hold the cardboard steady along a table edge and move the Safe-Saw in a back and forth sawing motion to cut.
Slow and steady: Move with control, not speed.
Support: If you don’t have a table edge, hold cardboard upright and hold another piece behind for stability.
Tooth size: Use large teeth for thick cardboard and faster cuts. Use small teeth for curves and shapes that require more control.
Bigger is better: Work with cardboard bigger than your own hand.
Clean edges: Pick off loose scraps for a neat finish.
Assisted Cut
Want cleaner, more precise cuts? The Fold-Roller is your secret weapon. Use it to mark a path for the Safe-Saw to follow.
Mark out a cutting path
Control your cuts: The Fold-Roller is designed to mark one side of the cardboard, not cut all the way through. We usually use these lines for controlled folding and shaping of cardboard, but they are also great for marking where to cut with the Safe-Saw!
Score and mark: Roll this tool where you want to cut cardboard, then “join the dots” with the Safe-Saw.
Keep it straight: Use a ruler or straightedge to mark your cutting line.
Cut in the centre of a panel
Need to cut in the middle of a piece of cardboard? No edge needed. Here's how to get started.
Cutting away from an edge
Punch it: Punch two holes close together.
Wiggle it: Wiggle the Safe-Saw tip to insert through the cardboard.
Continue your cut: With the Safe-Saw in place, you can now continue to cut as normal.
Cut a circle
Circles can be tricky, this tip will help makers get smooth satisfying curves.
Circle process
Template: Use a plate, pot lid or round object to trace a circle shape on cardboard.
Punch holes: Mark your cutting line by punching holes with the poky bit at the end of each Makedo tool.
Tip: Punch holes about 1-2 fingers apart.Wiggle it: Wiggle the Safe-Saw through the cardboard.
Tip: Poke two holes close together to start the cut.Connect the dots: Join the dots as you cut out your circle along the template path.