Frustrating inconsistency

[blakemail 1]

It seems that I can cut 5 or 6 projects just fine, then either the blades won't cut the vinyl or it cuts all the way through.  Is it normal for there to be some much difference in behavior at times?

Also, how much should the head move up and down?  It's hard to see but it seems that it barely moves up when it travels from one part of an image to another.  

[MZ SKEETER 4,708]

It seems you were having problems before,  Did you ever set the blade correctly as you were told?  You should just barely even see the blade tip out of the blade holder.  If your cutting thru the backing, then you have too much blade exposed out of the blade holder., If the blade depth is correct, you cannot even cut thru the wax paper backing. It is not possible.  The blade depth is only the thickness of the vinyl. when set correctly.  The correct combo is less blade more force. Make sure you haven't gouged up your teflon cutting strip with scratches  and other damage.  That will cause problems. 

To start with, you should set your blade depth correctly, by taking the blade holder out of the machine, and firmly cut across a piece of scrap vinyl, you will be cutting. You should only be cutting the vinyl and barely a mark on wax paper backing, Adjust blade to get there, Then put the blade holder back in machine, and use the force of the machine to get there, same results, only cutting the vinyl and barely a mark in wax paper backing. You should barely see and feel the blade out of the blade holder. Regular sign vinyl is only 2-3 mil thick. You only cut with the very tip of the blade. 

[darcshadow 1,626]

If the blade ever cuts all the way through it's because you have too much blade exposed. If you have the blade set correctly it's impossible to cut through the backing.

[blakemail 1]

I was on the phone with support today and they had me take the cover off the carriage.  They wanted me to do the 9v battery test but I didn't have one so I got a ref number to call them back.  When I got home I noticed that the blade holder would move freely down, but only spring half way up.  I could lift it all the way up but it felt like it was rubbing.  While on the call the support folks had me try the 4 screws you can see from the top of the solenoid when you have the cover off.  So on a whim I loosened them and pushed the blade holder toward the carriage while tightening them back down.  And Voila the blade holder now spring all the way back up when pushed down.  Now my MH is cutting like a pro.

 

 

 

[MZ SKEETER 4,708]

BUT.. as we stated, you were cutting thru the wax paper backing. So that meant that your blade was too far out of the blade holder.  It's NOT possible to cut thru the backing, if the blade is set correctly.  SO did you set the blade correctly now? And because you were cutting thru the backing, you had best check your teflon cutting strip for scratches and gouges. Replace if you do have them.