As part of the training at our dojo, we occasionally cut targets with live blades. The usual victims are plastic bottles and the occasional tatami omote mat. One problem we faced was having a reliable cutting stand that would not cost us an arm, leg or blade. We designed an in the ground matrix that would allow us to setup cuts in many different configurations in just a few minutes. This does not solve the problem for those who do not have the time or patience to dig 12 2 ft deep holes in the ground. So using the same principle method, I designed this cutting stand to be very inexpensive (under $10), easy to disassemble for transport or storage and can be constructed in under 20 minutes. Since the targets are wet, you can treat the wood base with a polyurethane, oil or wax to waterproof it.
List of Materials:
1 - length of 1 1/2" PVC or ABS pipe
1 - 1 1/2" PVC or ABS pipe cap (glue on, flat)
1 - 3/4" wood dowel 1/2" long
3 - 18" pieces of 2X4 construction lumber
5 - 2" wood screws
Construction begins by drilling a hole in the center of the pipe cap large enough to allow the threads of the wood screw to pass through. Next take the piece of 3/4" dowel and drill a hole large enough for the threads of the screw to pass through it's length. The dowel acts as a washer to hold the cap down without breaking it.
Place a wood screw through the dowel and cap and fasten it, open side up, to the center of the cross member. For extra security, you may want to use wood glue in addition to the screw to secure the cap.
Using the remaining wood screws, fasten the 2 pieces of 2X4 onto the bottom of the cross member to form two feet.
Set the 1 1/2" PVC or ABS plastic pipe into the pipe cap and place the stand on the ground. Mark the pipe at a height you feel is appropriate for you. Trim the pipe to that length and you have yourself a pretty little cutting stand. The pipe can be trimmed if you happen to chip the pipe with your blade. Remember, the pipe has 2 ends, so either can be use.
Since this pipe is very inexpensive, you can have multiple lengths to alternate cutting heights. You can also develop an insert that will sit inside the pipe with a spike to hold tatami mats. When you are done cutting, pull out the length of PVC and put it away.
The necks of bottles and gallon jugs fit very nicely in the 1 1/2" pipe opening. Happy cutting!!