I thought it was a prototype until I got to the end of the article, I was looking for the finished version in something more permanent.
Yes there's no requirement to own a circular saw etc.- as well as hand tools the hardware store will accurately cut wood to sizes you specify for a small fee.
Big box stores are NOT going to cut with the precision and fiddly shaped pieces you need to make this worthwhile though. Even using a circular saw is going to result in something that looks, well, home made. Using hand tools for symetrical cuts would be a nightmare. You really need a table saw and if you want to do t-molding, a router. I've built a couple and and as I quickly found out on my first one, this is more a wood-working project than anything else. I used ikea cupboard doors as base material and the finish is excellent, but very hard to work with (chipping) and you need to plan your cuts to avoid exposed edges.
> the hardware store will accurately cut wood to sizes you specify for a small fee.
Home Depot and, I think, Lowes will cut for free here in the US. But I wouldn't rely on that for any kind of precision sizing. If you need tolerances within, say, 1/4", you're rolling the dice if you rely on a near-minimum wage employee who couldn't care less doing the cutting for you.
I just got some wood cut for another project last night. They're usually pretty good about accuracy, in my experience. I think it all depends on the HD or Lowes employee you get. But I was very happy with the 48" and 66" cuts the gentleman I worked with last night made. Choosing between minimum wage or my novice, unpracticed hands, I think I'll take their hands when I can. As fun as it is to cut wood. :D
Yeah it's worked out fine for me too, those awesome wall mounted panel saws are more accurate than any table saw- but our experiences are both imagined apparently ;)
Yes there's no requirement to own a circular saw etc.- as well as hand tools the hardware store will accurately cut wood to sizes you specify for a small fee.