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Cutting Metal

PostPosted: October 4th, 2015, 2:48 pm
by pamhaney
I need some guidance on where to even begin. I am wanting to cut an oil derrick out of metal and then engrave on the cut out. What kind/thickness of metal do I use? What tool do I use? Also, how do I get the picture of the derrick onto my cutter program? Then, how do I engrave it? We are having a hard time learning to use our machine, so we just need a little help to get us going. Thank you!

Re: Cutting Metal

PostPosted: October 4th, 2015, 3:57 pm
by Gigi
Hi Pam -

You say you are having a hard time learning your machine, but you have only had it a few weeks and are thinking of doing things most of us would never have imagined this early on. I love that you are excited and want to do all of that, and as much as I know you want to tackle fun things, I really recommend that you take your time going through the learning center and getting familiar with the machine and the software. That will save you a lot of unnecessary frustration if you just take it a step at a time. And things will begin to fall into place and you won't feel so overwhelmed with where to start.

As you go through the center, there is a section on tracing images for print and cut etc. and that will help explain how you import an image, but you need to be able to do simple cutting first and be comfortable with all of that. I just don't want to see you frustrated because you are trying to tackle too much too soon. Give yourself time and I promise, it will begin to make more sense. And remember, we all started where you are right now. Some learn at a faster pace, some at a slower one, but it's all part of the process. Just give yourself time....

There are many learning videos also on the forum under Broadcasts that will teach you about the tools (you need the engraving tip to engrave metal) but we normally do not recommend cutting metal unless it is the pliable metal. There are also materials that we do not recommend cutting because they are too thick, but that engrave beautifully. I think if you watch some of the webinars that are on the forum (there is at least one recent one on engraving) and also on You Tube (many of those use the newer SCAL 4 so will be more helpful as you will be looking at the identical interface) you will find that really helpful. Just get the basics down first.

Once you have been through the learning center and watched some of the additional videos, if you are still perplexed about things, please let us know. You will be cutting and engraving and doing all that you want in no time.

Re: Cutting Metal

PostPosted: October 17th, 2015, 10:33 am
by joannlett58
Gigi!... I'm a prospective buyer and very interested in utilizing aluminum cans as a material for my craft work ... i've read that the SB will reliably cut 38 gauge metal, but am looking to verify if you or anyone you've dealt with has actually used soda cans ... many thanks for your help!

Re: Cutting Metal

PostPosted: October 17th, 2015, 11:06 am
by Gigi
Yes I know that very early on in the forum one of our members, Diane, cut soda cans. Let me see if I can find the post...

Well many have engraved on the soda cans. Here is an extensive conversation:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1064&p=24282&hilit=cutting+soda+cans#p24282.

Also Sherri has said many times that the gauge is not always the deciding factor. Some are more pliable than others and and long as they are pliable, like the embossing metal, the machine can cut it easily. If I drank soda I would grab one and try it, but I don't!