A homemade styrene and stick chopper.
Every time I try to cut something to a specific size, I get it wrong or if I cut more than one, then none are the same size. Most time I don't make a clean 90-degree cut, which affects the result. So, after watching some videos I decided to build a styrene and stick chopper myself. I had most of the parts I needed sitting on shelves in my workshop. Here are some of the parts I used:
2 x 8mm bearing carriers
1 x 8mm linear rail shaft support
1 x 8mm shaft/rod
1 rectangle piece of wood about 20cm x 35cm
1 30cm long piece of soft pine as the lever
1 blade
and some wood screws of different lengths.
So I started by cutting about 7cm of the steel rod.
Then inserted the rod into the bearing carriers and linear rail shaft support as shown in the image.
I marked where I wanted this installed on the wood surface and prepared some holes for the linear rail shaft supports.
Just like this....
I then screwed the lever onto the bottom of the linear rail shaft support.
and then lowered the lever and attached a small piece of wood which I kept flat to the base. This will be what will hold the blade.
I then drew a line using the blade mount as a straight edge.
With a set square, I placed the guide at 90-degrees to the blade mount.
I then screwed that to the base.
Using another straight edge, I placed it with the guide
I then aligned the guide on the other side of the blade with the straight edge.
I pushed the guide to the back of the blade holder.
I then screwed it to the base. This is what it looked like when I was done.
I found an old blade (need to buy some new ones) to try with and fastened it to the side.
In all honesty, the blade was blunt but it still cut through the stick. I put a wooden block on the other side of the blade to keep the same measurement and secured it with a clamp.
Tested some more cuts. Looks great to me 
I just love building these simple tools, even though in reality I might only use it for one or two projects, but the satisfaction I get once I come in need of it is limitless
Now I can start planning the bridge I have in mind for my railway layout
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