WHY WHY WHY. . .

[KT Krafter]

. . .Is my blade dragging?

At least I think that is what is happening. But I am so annoyed...I have to keep REcutting things. I am getting random blade-like marks throughout my whole design. Sometimes it actually cuts through at random spots (cutting a letter in half, for example) and other times it just kind of scrapes the vinyl--but still looks bad. I have tried to bring my blade up (so it isn't as close to the vinyl) But thats not working for me either. Does this happen for any certain reason?. . . Maybe I need a new blade?

Thanks for any help
Katie

[rachellann]

what blade holder are you using and what blade 45-60 ? and can you take a picture of what it looks like in the blade holder, and what about spacing are you using a cd to space it between the blade and paper then removing the blade.

[KT Krafter]

I am using just the regular blade holder that came with the machine--not the click holder. And a 45 degree blade. I am using about 1 mm spacing. i did use the cd method. I couldn't get a decent pic of the blade and blade holder...

Any suggestions for me?

Thanks
Katie

[Gigi]

Katie -

Is your mat totally flat and is the vinyl well adhered to it? It does sounds like the blade is too low and dragging but that could also be the mat if it's warped at all.

[rachellann]

Katie -

Is your mat totally flat and is the vinyl well adhered to it? It does sounds like the blade is too low and dragging but that could also be the mat if it's warped at all.

gigi is correct if using a mat matsure it is not warped also when you raise tha blade you'll have to increase the force some.

[KT Krafter]

I don't think it's the mat as I had an extra here that has never been used that I tried today with the same results. So, basically, you think I should raise the blade AND increase the force a bit?

Thanks
Katie

[rachellann]

try on a small peice testing what works and what does not.

[Tyler]

Lift the blade holder up in the clamp just a little bit more. The CD method is great, but sometimes you just need that extra tiny bit of space.

[Elizabeth]

Hi Katie. Is this happening randomely, or on every cut? If it is random, it is possible that you have a loose connection. I fixed my problem temporarily by putting a bit of ptfe tape, or plumbers's tape on the cord. I upgraded to electrical tape, and eventually got a keyspan adaptor so I could use the serial port on the Cougar for a very tight connection. I haven't had any problem with the blade dragging since I installed it a few weeks ago.

[chrisrn44]

What exactly is a keyspan adapter, how is it used, and where do I find one?
Chris

[Gigi]

Here is one of the most recent discussion on the keyspan adapter (basically it connects the serial port to the usb cord) - I use one and it greatly improved my cuts as it helps the machine communicate better.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1129&p=46336&hilit=keyspan+adapter#p46338