Builder Tools v0.1 is live.
This release represents everything we learned from building three prototypes, distilled into resources that help you build better, faster, and with fewer mistakes.
This post explains what's included, why each piece exists, and how to use them effectively.
What's in v0.1
3D Printable Jigs
Building accuracy comes down to repeatable measurements. Jigs are physical tools that ensure consistency.
Included in v0.1:
Angle jigs: The Thiosphere uses specific angles for panel joints. These jigs let you set your saw blade or jig saw to exact angles without measuring each time.
Drill guides: Bolt holes need to align across panels. These guides ensure consistent hole placement — you clamp the guide, drill through, and the hole is in exactly the right spot.
Spacer blocks: When assembling panels, consistent gaps matter. Spacer blocks maintain uniform spacing without constant measurement.
Marking templates: For laying out cut lines on plywood, these templates let you trace rather than measure.
All jigs are designed for standard home 3D printers (Prusa, Ender, etc.). Print files are STL format. Most prints take 2-6 hours.
If you don't have a 3D printer: Most public libraries now have them. Or use a print service (Craftcloud, Shapeways) — typical cost is $5-15 per jig.
Cut Lists
Cut lists tell you exactly what to cut from each sheet of plywood and each piece of lumber.
What makes our cut lists different:
Optimized for waste reduction: We've arranged cuts to minimize scrap. A naive approach might use 20 sheets of plywood; our optimized lists use 16.
Hardware store compatible: All dimensions assume standard lumber (which is undersized — a 2x4 is actually 1.5" x 3.5"). We've accounted for this.
Annotated: Each piece is labeled with where it goes in the final assembly. No generic "cut 12 pieces at 24 inches" — instead, "cut 12 inner shell panel frames at 24 inches."
Error margins included: Where tolerances matter, we specify them. Where they don't, we tell you that too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The handbook provides detailed assembly instructions. The v0.1 tools add supplementary materials:
Photo sequences: Real photos from real builds showing each step. Not CAD renders — actual workshop images.
Common mistakes gallery: Photos of things that went wrong in our prototype builds, with explanations of how to avoid them.
Video clips: Short clips (30 seconds to 2 minutes) demonstrating specific techniques that are hard to convey in photos.
Troubleshooting flowcharts: "Panel doesn't fit? → Check angle → Check dimension → Check assembly order" — decision trees for common problems.
Sourcing Guides
Knowing what to buy and where to buy it saves hours of wandering hardware stores.
Material specifications: Exact descriptions of what you need. Not "plywood" but "3/4 inch CDX plywood, exterior grade."
Store-by-store guides: Specific product names and SKUs for Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, and independent lumber yards.
Regional variations: West Coast lumber differs from East Coast. Southern pine differs from Douglas fir. We explain what substitutions are safe.
Bulk buying advice: When to buy in bulk, when to buy as-needed, and how to negotiate with lumber yards for larger orders.
Alternative materials: If your preferred material isn't available, we list acceptable substitutes with any adjustments needed.
Why v0.1?
We're calling this v0.1 deliberately. It's not finished.
What v0.1 includes:
- Core structure (outer shell, inner shell, platform)
- Basic configurations (empty shell, simple interior)
- Essential tools for accurate cutting and assembly
What v0.1 doesn't include:
- Configuration-specific tools (sauna stove integration, growing systems, etc.)
- Advanced finishing techniques
- Electrical and plumbing guides
- Accessibility modifications
These will come in future versions. We're releasing v0.1 now because it's useful now. Waiting for "complete" means waiting forever.
How to Use the Tools
Before You Start
1. Read the handbook first. The tools supplement the handbook, they don't replace it. Understand the overall structure before diving into cut lists.
2. Inventory what you have. Do you have a 3D printer? A table saw vs. circular saw? The tools assume certain equipment — check the requirements.
3. Print jigs ahead of time. 3D printing takes hours. Print all jigs before your build weekend. Nothing worse than waiting 4 hours for a jig mid-project.
During the Build
1. Use the cut lists religiously. It's tempting to "just measure" when you're in the flow. Don't. The cut lists exist because measuring in the moment leads to errors.
2. Refer to photos when something seems wrong. If a step isn't working, check the photo sequence. Often the issue is orientation or order.
3. Use jigs every time. Even when you think you've got the angle memorized. Jigs are faster and more accurate than eyeballing.
After the Build
1. Report issues. If a cut list has an error, if a jig doesn't fit right, if instructions are unclear — tell us. The tools improve through community feedback.
2. Share your modifications. If you created a better jig or improved a technique, share it. Community contributions get incorporated into future versions.
The Design Philosophy
The builder tools embody a specific philosophy:
Make Accuracy Easy
Accuracy is hard. Measuring angles, transferring dimensions, maintaining consistency across dozens of cuts — these are cognitively demanding tasks.
The tools externalize that cognitive load. The jig holds the angle. The template marks the position. The cut list tracks what's needed.
The builder's job becomes physical execution: hold the jig, make the cut. The tool handles the thinking.
Reduce Decisions
Every decision is a chance to make a mistake.
Instead of "determine the appropriate screw length," the tool says "use 2-1/2 inch screws here." Instead of "cut to a comfortable angle," the tool says "cut at 23.5 degrees."
Fewer decisions = fewer errors = faster builds = less frustration.
Learn from Failures
Every mistake I made in the prototypes became a tool or instruction.
The angle jig exists because I cut three panels at the wrong angle in Proto 1.
The drill guide exists because I misaligned 8 bolt holes in Proto 2.
The spacer blocks exist because I inconsistently gapped panels in Proto 3.
The tools are crystallized lessons. You get the benefit of my mistakes without paying the cost.
Open to Modification
All tool files are editable. The jig is designed for a specific angle, but if you modify the design, you can modify the jig.
We provide the source files (Fusion 360, FreeCAD) along with the print-ready STLs. Fork them. Adapt them. Share improvements back.
Feedback Wanted
v0.1 is a starting point.
What we want to know:
- Did a jig not fit right? (Printer calibration varies — we need to know tolerances)
- Was a cut list wrong? (Typos happen — we need to catch them)
- Was a photo unclear? (What seemed obvious to us might not be)
- Did you create a better solution? (We want to incorporate it)
The Discord channel #builder-tools is specifically for feedback on these resources. Every issue reported improves the tools for future builders.
Access
Builder Tools v0.1 is included free with any handbook purchase.
If you have the Whole Thiosphere Handbook or Lifetime Edition, you already have access. Check your download link for the tools package.
If you haven't purchased yet, the tools are another reason to grab the handbook. The $29 gets you not just instructions, but a complete builder toolkit.
What's Next
v0.2 is already in development. Expected additions:
- Saunosphere-specific jigs (stove clearance templates, bench spacing guides)
- Agrosphere tools (growing system mounting, ventilation templates)
- Improved 3D print settings for different materials
- Community-contributed improvements
Timeline: we're not promising dates. The tools ship when they're tested and ready.
The Invitation
The tools exist to make your build easier.
We made the mistakes so you don't have to.
Download them. Print them. Use them. And when you find improvements, share them back.
That's how open source works.
Get the Handbook + Tools — Complete build package, $29.
Join the Discord — Report issues, share improvements, connect with builders.
View the CAD files — Source designs for all tools.