If there is one tool I couldn’t do without in my school library makerspace, it’s the MakeDo Safe-Saw.
We allow students of all ages a wide range of materials to construct, prototype, and design, and cutting cardboard is always a dangerous part of working with materials. If you’ve ever tried to cut through cardboard with scissors you know what I’m talking about. It’s awkward, painful and time-consuming and forget being able to cut in a straight line. The alternative is a sharp retractable bladed box cutter and the damage they can do when the blade misses its target is scary. The MakeDo Safe-Saws are designed to be safely used by children over the age of 5 and allow them to safely and easily cut through cardboard. The MakeDo system also comes with cardboard a Fold-Roller, Scrus and Scru-Driver, as well as a range of new addons, like Spin-Hinges and Roto-Rings. But it’s the Safe-Saw I love the most.
I love that when the Year 1 classes use our space, we can allow them to cut their own cardboard, and when teachers start to get worried, I hand them a MakeDo Safe-Saw, clearly rated on the blade for 5+ students, and tell them to give it a try for themselves. There are many times when I am breaking down a box or cutting up cardboard where I will grab a MakeDo Safe-Saw over a retractable blade box cutter, they are just so much safer and easier to use.
The basics
The Safe-Sae is a serrated blade that isn’t sharp, so it’s safe for students to handle. The blade makes it less likely to slip and if it does, it’s only going to graze a hand or finger rather than slicing open a wound. The grip is great for students of all ages. One side of the blade has teeth spread a little wider, with narrower teeth on the other side for a neater cut. The end of the saw handle has a hole punch which helps you add Scrus or make a spot to start your cut, if not working from the edge.
We don’t use the Scrus and other features as much as we could but out set of Safe-Saws are so well used. They are also really tough. They’ve had a really tough life for the past two years and I’ve only just now purchased a new set. Students from Year 1 to Year 12 use them in our space and they are a tool I just couldn’t do without.
Note – this is not a sponsored post, I purchased MakeDo Tools for our Makerspace in 2022 and continue to purchase and use them.
What I buy
For our makerspace, which is very large and can accommodate multiple classes at once, I purchased the Invent Kit, which included 14 Safe-Saws and a range of their other tools and Scrus. Now, I purchase the Safe-Saws and Scrus separately to replace and top-up our kit.
Where to Buy
You can purchase MakeDo products directly from their online store or through some education product retailers, like MTA.