5
GB
Slipmat
Matboard
THE SLIPMAT
is used under the matboard when bevel
cutting, this ensures crisp clean cutting.
Make it from standard matboard. Avoid using dense
matboard such as black core.
Size - approximately 15cm (6") wide and either the full
cutting length of the Artist plus long, or at least 5cm (2")
longer than the longest mat you are going to cut.
When using - ensure the white side is uppermost and
replace it when the surface damage becomes obvious.
BLADES ARE ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL PARTS OF THE MACHINE
, in all cases the blade used should be
the one most suited to the job in hand - when bevel cutting a precision ground and honed blade is required with an
oil free surface (many blades are packed with an oil film to protect them) and the surface should be corrosion free.
The hardness and toughness of the blade is also critical.
All these factors add to the manufacturing cost of quality blades, however the option to use inexpensive blades
leaves quality to chance and can increase wastage.
BLADE DEPTH
is critical when bevel cutting. Too deep and hooking will occur, too shallow and the blade will not
penetrate or meet at the corners. The tip of the blade should cut through the matboard and score the slip mat about
0.5 - 1 mm (1/64" - 1/32") deep. The method of adjustment is explained later.
HOOKING
is when a curved cut is produced at the beginning of a bevel cut. This is caused by the blade bending or
moving sideways when being pushed into the matboard, the blade then springs or moves back to its correct position
as it begins to travel down the cut.
BEVEL CUTTING
blades used on the Artist plus are rectangular and come in three varieties:-
User Instructions
Bevel Cutting - Preparation
Please note: When using the Tech S.012 blades you can only use the one tip as indicated on the blade.
TECH D 012
D
ouble ground edge 0.
012
" thick.
(knife edge)
For general purpose cutting on most
matboard (some are supplied with your
machine)
TECH D 015
D
ouble ground edge 0.
015
" thick.
(knife edge)
TECH S 012
S
ingle ground edge 0.
012
" thick.
(chisel edge)
Both can give better results on some of to
days thick and dense mat boards only
trial and error can prove any benefit.
If you require sample blades contact
Keencut direct and a small quantity will
be sent F.O.C We would be pleased to
know your results!