10
Setting the Blade Length
Getting the blade length set correctly for the cut is just as important as setting the cutting pressure. If you
have too little blade exposed, then it cannot cut all the way through the material. If you have the blade too
long, then the tip of the blade will be cutting into the mat which will dull the blade sooner, damage the mat,
and typically result in worse cutting, rather than better:
Perfect Length Too Long: cuts into mat Too Short: will not completely cut
When setting the blade length, hold up the blade holder next to the material so that you can more accurately
set the length to match the thickness of the material. If you have a difficult time seeing the tiny blade, try
using your finger to feel for the tip of the blade to be just a tiny bit
longer than the material’s thickness. One
method used by many owners is to fold the material over onto itself and then, with the blade holder in your
hand, manually cut a short line. The cut should penetrate the top layer but not cut into the second layer.
Also develop the habit of using the Test button on the KNK to verify that you not only get a clean test cut,
but when you lift the waste and the test cut from the mat, you cannot see cut lines in the mat. It is okay to
see very faint markings, suggesting the tip of the blade is just barely grazing the adhesive on the mat. But
again, if you see cut lines, then shorten the blade slightly and test cut again. For many new owners, this
may seem like a difficult task, but it only takes a little practice and then setting the blade length will seem
quite easy to do.
It’s also important to have the blade holder mounted so that the tip of the blade is slightly above the cu
tting
material. This is to prevent the blade from dragging across the material when moving from one cutting path
to the next and to give the blade more downward impact when dropping to cut into the material. More
information about cutting is covered in Chapter 4 and it is strongly recommended that you read Sections 4.2
and 4.3 before attempting to cut.
Other
Blades and
Accessories:
The following items can be purchased at
http://www.scrapbookdiecutter.com
for use in the Klic-N-Kut MAXX and
Groove E machines:
Silver Blade Holder: Previously sold with the Klic-N-Kuts, this blade holder uses the same blades and
accessories and fits into the new MAXX and Groove E machines. Note that if either the Sliver 1 or Fabric
Blade is to be used, a replacement end cap is needed.
Fabric Blade: Cut at a blunter angle, this blade is well suited for cutting fabric.
Embossing/Engraving Tip: This alternative to a blade is used for engraving on metal or hard plastics (such as
acrylic) or embossing on vellum and cardstock. It comes with a felt strip which can be placed over the white
cutting strip and materials can be engraved and embossed without using a mat.
1. Unscrew cap and
set aside.
3. Replace cap and screw onto main section
only until blade exposure matches the
thickness of the material being cut.
2. Gently insert non-sharp end into holder. An
internal magnet will pull the blade inwards.
Mat
Material
