Cutter slop

[ThomasModels 0]

Hello,

I'm new here and have briefly looked for problems similar to the ones I am experiencing but could not find any.

I purchased a 14" (?) which was prompty delivered. It had sat in it's packaging for some time before I was able to open it, install software and use it. I intended on using it to create shapes and panels in vinyl for model kits and to create painting masks. Cut out panels, thin lines, etc, then stick them down for low relief detail.

When I run vinyl thru this happens:

http://www.thomasmodels.com/galpan3.jpg

The ends of the cuts are sloppy and run over and across adjoining cuts. The ends of some of the cuts sort of jogg about 12 degrees off the path before starting or stopping the cut path. The circle in that image is 1" in diameter. When I attempted to cut smaller circles, they end up egg shaped instead of circular. Small text (36 point and below) is unusable. I have not tried other text sizes as I did not purchase this cutter for that purpose.

I am using CorelDraw 12 to render in and send the file right to the cutter. The cutter is attched to the PC via a com port. I have used a speed of 4inches with a force of 10-40 and it happens every time. The blade is new and sharp and is ground to the proper cutting angle IE, it is not bent at the tip. I do not believe that this is a software or settings issue.

Has anyone else experience similar problems and how can I go about getting it corrected?

Thanks!

[ThomasModels 0]

Also, after checking the home page, it is a 12" Refine.

Thanks!

[kenimes 42]

I would check to make sure the carriage is sitting on the tracks properly first. There are little white wheels behind the carriage that need to sit ON the tracks and not in front of them.

[ThomasModels 0]

Yes, both visable wheels sit within the V shaped track and the carriage is firmy seated.

[kenimes 42]

If that is the case then I would make sure the silver metal feed roller is tight and that there is no "play" in it. In your box of cables and such, there was a little Alan wrench that is used to tighten the feed roller if it is loose. You may also want to check the sprocket for the feed roller, I have heard cases where it was loose as well. You need to remove the left side case to expose the feed roller sprocket.

It could also be aproblem with the carriage, maybe investigate and check for anything loose. Keep me posted.

[ThomasModels 0]

The feed rooler appears to be tight. There is no play but I can turn it manually by running my finger over it. I can feel that it is geared and like I indicated, tight.

The carriage blade holder moves up about 2 millimeters then returns to it's original position when I release it. There is no other play in that part of it. It doesn't manually move forward or reverse, left or right, that sort of thing.

Also, when I attempt to cut small circles I get an egg shape instead of a circle and it is a very crude egg shape.

[ThomasModels 0]

I didn't wait until I had nothing to do to unpack and setup this cutter. It is needed for a large parject who's time has come. I purchased this to use in commercial prototyping, not for making toys for personal use.

I would like an immediate answer as to how to proceed with getting this device repaired as it had not functioned properly straight out of the box.

Thank you.

[kenimes 42]

If the unit is new, then it is covered under warranty. We could try replacing some parts to make it cut as it should, or you could send the cutter in and I will make it work like it should.

If you could email me directly with your serial number from the cutter, I can give you the detailed options: kenimes@uscutter.com

[ThomasModels 0]

It is new in the sense that I JUST opened it. I discovered the issue with the way X-Y lines intersect and the jagged oval circles it cuts. My wife located this forum after some research. I thought I would ask here if this was a common err but it looks now like I have a defective unit.

I will email that number to you.

Thanks!

[kenimes 42]

Received the cutter and the carriage bracket was catching a bit on the inside of the top case because the bracket was bent up a bit, probably happened during shipping. Once I bent the bracket back to where it should be, the cutter seemed to cut as it should.