I'll Take All the Help I Can Get

One thing I've noticed is that I really like how making your own tools or jigs helps the building process.  I've begun to think about this more -- what tools can I use to make my modeling better?  Specifically what tools that I can build can I use?

Well part of the construction process for the boxcar I'm working on involves angled bracing on the walls (as seen below).

I've tried this before and it's really hard to get all of the angles right.  In other words, here's a good opportunity to make a tool or jig that I can use to be more consistent in the construction process.

I happen to own a NWSL "The Chopper", which is nothing more than a razor blade with a handle mounted perpendicular against a fence.  The Chopper comes with some metal angle pieces that can be clamped to the unit and allow people to cut at common angles (30, 45, 60).

What I realized is that I could print out an extra copy of the plans, then tack these to a piece of styrene...

With the exact angle overlaying the styrene I then cut the styrene at that exact angle, giving me a triangular piece.  That piece can be similarly clamped into the chopper, giving me cuts that are exactly the right angle.