MH871-MK2 not cutting

[GeorgeGast 0]

The machine will not cut strong enough to cut even paper. I replaced the blade and no matter how deep or shallow I set the blade it barely leaves a mark. The blade does move up and down when running. I've tried adjusting the cutter pressure even to the max value and it still barely leaves any mark. I've tried the test (suppose to cut a star) and I can see it on the vinyl but it's not cut through enough. I've tried several different rolls of vinyl including just a sheet of paper. No difference. I'm at a loss. Again the carriage moves fine, the blade does move down and back up.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

[darcshadow 1,641]

Could the cutting strip be worn down? Have you tried moving the cut location to a different spot on the cutter? 

[MZ SKEETER 4,720]

Is this a new cutter? Or new to you? Or is it used?  need more info.   There is a lot of incorrect info on setting blade depth, do not use info of using a credit card or post it notes, they are wrong. Way too much blade exposed. If you are doing that, you may be breaking the blade tip off. Put it under a magnifying glass. Is the blade holder firmly into the blade holder carriage? Is the carriage arm that holds the blade holder  cracked? Make sure the wheels of the carriage holder are firmly in the track. This is how to set the blade depth correctly.   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 tip out of the blade holder. Regular sign vinyl is only 2-3 mil thick. You only cut with the very tip of the blade. When you think the blade is so far in the blade holder, that you think it would not even cut, that is probably correct. 

[haumana 1,227]

check the cutting strip.  it doesn't take very many slices into it for it affect the quality of the cut.

check the blade holder and blade holder carriage.  I experienced low pressure due to a hairline crack in blade holder attached to the carriage.  check the blade holder, that when you manually apply force to check the proper depth, you're actually getting a cut.

[GeorgeGast 0]

 

Could the cutting strip be worn down? Have you tried moving the cut location to a different spot on the cutter? 

Yes I've tried it all across the cutter strip. No difference 

[GeorgeGast 0]

 

Is this a new cutter? Or new to you? Or is it used?  need more info.   There is a lot of incorrect info on setting blade depth, do not use info of using a credit card or post it notes, they are wrong. Way too much blade exposed. If you are doing that, you may be breaking the blade tip off. Put it under a magnifying glass. Is the blade holder firmly into the blade holder carriage? Is the carriage arm that holds the blade holder  cracked? Make sure the wheels of the carriage holder are firmly in the track. This is how to set the blade depth correctly.   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 tip out of the blade holder. Regular sign vinyl is only 2-3 mil thick. You only cut with the very tip of the blade. When you think the blade is so far in the blade holder, that you think it would not even cut, that is probably correct. 

I did the adjustment just as you suggested previously. It makes no difference where I set the depth. Too deep should cause it to cut clear through the vinyl. The cutter tip is not broken. I've tried 4 different Ones. This is a used machine that I was using constantly for months then stopped using it for a few months. Now I'm back to needing it and it's not cutting. 

[MZ SKEETER 4,720]

If the  blade is set correctly, as I stated, it is NOT possible to cut thru the backing, no matter how high the force, because the blade is set only to cut the vinyl and barely a mark on the wax paper backing.  2-2.5 mil. The blade should be so far in the blade holder, that you would think it wouldn't cut at all.  Have you gotten down eye level and watched the cutter cut? You should.  Also can you push the blade holder and blade down to the vinyl, with cutter off? Take the carriage head cover off and watch it. 

[haumana 1,227]

If you are cutting through the vinyl and backing, then you are cutting into the cutting strip.  The cut will literally be razor thin, but that's all it needs to start causing cutting problems.  If you cutting strip has any slices through it, you should consider replacing it.  A razor thin slice is all any of my machines needs to start giving me trouble.

[GeorgeGast 0]

 

If the  blade is set correctly, as I stated, it is NOT possible to cut thru the backing, no matter how high the force, because the blade is set only to cut the vinyl and barely a mark on the wax paper backing.  2-2.5 mil. The blade should be so far in the blade holder, that you would think it wouldn't cut at all.  Have you gotten down eye level and watched the cutter cut? You should.  Also can you push the blade holder and blade down to the vinyl, with cutter off? Take the carriage head cover off and watch it. 

It's not cutting at all. The blade does move down to the cutting strip.  I'm going to replace the strip in hopes that's it 

[slice&dice 2,467]

See the other thread you started, try what I've suggested and take apart the holder arm, and visually inspect it carefully.