Just can't get it to work...

[Stampydoo]

Hi-

Sorry for the cross-post, but I don't know if my problem is hardware, software, or wetware (the stuff between my ears)...

I have a SIlver Bullet cutter and I'm trying to cut with SCAL3. No matter what I do, the blade just tears up the paper. Seems like it can't turn fast enough and just goes sideways when it needs to make a sharp corner. I have tried all sorts of different paper, different force and velocity settings. There are some settings in SCAL that I don't understand, like blade offset and overcut.

I'm just really disappointed, I can't get this thing to work. Everyone else seems to have no problems, but I've had this for over a year and gotten very little use out of it because every time I try again to use it it just mucks up the paper. Just makes me want to cry...

Please Help.

Stampydoo

[PennyDuncan]

Hello Stampydoo .....The first thought that comes to my mind is your blade may have a minute chip in it that you can't see without a magnifying glass.......is your mat warped, is the paper brayered down before putting into the machine......are you setting your blade depth with the spacing gauge?........The reason the blade comes for front to me is because they are very delicate and if they hit the side of the mat when traveling over for you to set the origin it could easily chip the blade....

[Gigi]

Agree with Penny - a nicked blade was my first thought. Is your blade extended too far? Are you cutting into the mat? And all of the questions Penny already asked.......

I have a feeling it's a pretty easy fix once we can determine the cause - then you will be cutting easily. You could easily have chipped the blade early on and changing that could solve the problem - or any of the other things. I would start with the blade and go from there so you can understand the source of the trouble and know in the future.
Don't give up - we will figure it out!

Going to delete the duplicate post so answers can be focused on this one area and make it easier for you and for those who want to respond further...

[Stampydoo]

I took a close look at the blade with a magnifying glass - I'm pretty sure it's chipped, so I ordered some new ones. Sure hope this explains the problem... I'm optimistic about this.

Thanks for the advice,

Stampydoo

[PennyDuncan]

You'll be surprised the difference once you get the good blade...you will conqour this!!!!

[tamihowse]

I just chipped a brand new blade on the first use. <sad trombone>
Fondly, Tami

[PennyDuncan]

Oh Tami....that sucks....I know the feeling...I've so done that before!!!! ;(

[Gigi]

OMG - me too (I won't say how many!!)

[kim]

That is why I keep quite a few extra blades around. If I get in a rush, I am more prone to chipping a blade. But once I have a good blade in, it seems to last forever, unless I cut something like reflective vinyl. I would also suggest to look at offset setting.

[Stampydoo]

Well I got my new blades and held my breath as I put the first one in. I have to tell you it is totally different machine! It really cuts well now, no problems with corners like before. I never would have believed the blade could have such a tiny chip and that would make such a huge difference! Thanks to all, I'm on my way now!

-Stampydoo

[Gigi]

That is great. Yes a chip can easily destroy a cut - even the most minute one.

Glad you are up and running well now. Thanks for letting us know.

[kim]

Great! Now just make sure you keep a few on hand. Nothing like being in the middle of something and have to order then wait on the blades to arrive. Although Sherri is super quick to get orders out, she hasn't figured out how to get us the stuff YESTERDAY!!!

[PennyDuncan]

Yahooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!