Vinyl Cutter - Revision history

Issac: /* Preparing to Cut */

2026-01-15T15:18:14Z

Preparing to Cut

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 15 January 2026
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	The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Vinyl Cutter#Controls\|Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''		The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Vinyl Cutter#Controls\|Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''

	<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [[https://wiki.knoxmakers.org/images/c/ce/SC2_Vinyl_Cutter_Manual.pdf\|User Manual]].		<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [https://wiki.knoxmakers.org/images/c/ce/SC2_Vinyl_Cutter_Manual.pdf User Manual].

	== Software ==		== Software ==

Issac: /* Preparing to Cut */

2026-01-15T15:16:52Z

Preparing to Cut

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 15 January 2026
Line 71:		Line 71:
	The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Vinyl Cutter#Controls\|Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''		The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Vinyl Cutter#Controls\|Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''

	<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [[images/c/ce/~~SC2 Vinyl Cutter Manual~~.pdf\|User Manual]].		<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [[https://wiki.knoxmakers.org/images/c/ce/SC2_Vinyl_Cutter_Manual.pdf\|User Manual]].

	== Software ==		== Software ==

larry: /* Preparing to Cut */

2026-01-15T15:13:25Z

Preparing to Cut

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 15 January 2026
Line 69:		Line 69:
	The origin point of the cutter can be set when the cutter is in the PAUSE state by moving your vinyl stock and the head to the desired position and pressing the ORIGIN key. You should the 'NEW ORIGIN SET' flash briefly on the display.		The origin point of the cutter can be set when the cutter is in the PAUSE state by moving your vinyl stock and the head to the desired position and pressing the ORIGIN key. You should the 'NEW ORIGIN SET' flash briefly on the display.

	The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''		The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Vinyl Cutter#Controls\|Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''

	<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [[images/c/ce/SC2 Vinyl Cutter Manual.pdf\|User Manual]].		<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [[images/c/ce/SC2 Vinyl Cutter Manual.pdf\|User Manual]].

larry at 15:07, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T15:07:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 15 January 2026
Line 71:		Line 71:
	The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''		The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''

	<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [[~~Images~~/c/ce/SC2 Vinyl Cutter Manual.pdf\|User Manual]].		<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [[images/c/ce/SC2 Vinyl Cutter Manual.pdf\|User Manual]].

	== Software ==		== Software ==

larry: Added a new 'Preparing to Cut' section outlining setting the origin and performing test cuts.

2026-01-15T14:55:25Z

Added a new 'Preparing to Cut' section outlining setting the origin and performing test cuts.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 15 January 2026
Line 63:		Line 63:
	You can also use small sheets or cutoffs. If it is small enough, only use 2 pinch rollers and make sure they are inset from the edges.		You can also use small sheets or cutoffs. If it is small enough, only use 2 pinch rollers and make sure they are inset from the edges.

			== Preparing to Cut ==

			You should set the '''origin''' on your stock and perform a '''test cut''' prior to sending your job to the plotter. Failure to do both can result in wasted material or frustration with difficult to weed designs because of improper cuts.

			The origin point of the cutter can be set when the cutter is in the PAUSE state by moving your vinyl stock and the head to the desired position and pressing the ORIGIN key. You should the 'NEW ORIGIN SET' flash briefly on the display.

			The purpose of the test is to verify that you have the proper pressure setting for your particular stock. With the cutter in the PAUSE state press the TEST button and a small pattern will be cut in your material. If the outer square won't weed increase your force/pressure. If the blade is digging too far into the backing paper decrease your force/pressure. If adjustments are necessary use [[Controls]] as outlined above. ''Once done with your test cut(s) be sure to reset the origin so that your design is outside of the test area!''

			<nowiki>**</nowiki> A note on blade replacement and adjustments. In general use you should not have to touch the blade. If however you find that you cannot adjust the pressure as noted above for a satisfactory cut it may because of a worn or improperly set blade. When properly adjusted the blade should protrude approximately 1/64th of an inch beyond the bottom of the cap. The full blade set up procedure can be found on page 20 of the [[Images/c/ce/SC2 Vinyl Cutter Manual.pdf\|User Manual]].

	== Software ==		== Software ==
Line 86:		Line 95:

	On Mac, it will be: /dev/tty.usbmodemSTM32101		On Mac, it will be: /dev/tty.usbmodemSTM32101

	== Tools and Transfer Paper ==		== Tools and Transfer Paper ==

larry: /* Software */

2026-01-15T12:42:51Z

Software

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:42, 15 January 2026
Line 78:		Line 78:

	The first time that you run the Plot extension, you will need to set the serial port being used by the vinyl cutter. The rest of the settings can stay at the default.		The first time that you run the Plot extension, you will need to set the serial port being used by the vinyl cutter. The rest of the settings can stay at the default.

			There is an extension, [https://github.com/KnoxMakers/km-plot KM Plot], that will detect and set this port automatically on most computers. Installation and usage instructions are at https://github.com/KnoxMakers/km-plot. You should only need to set your port manually as described below if you don't have the extension.

	On Linux, this is likely /dev/ttyACM0. You can confirm or discover by plugging the vinyl cutter usb into your computer and then using dmesg on the terminal to see what is assigned.		On Linux, this is likely /dev/ttyACM0. You can confirm or discover by plugging the vinyl cutter usb into your computer and then using dmesg on the terminal to see what is assigned.

Ashley.Gienow: Replaced “insert info here” language with the actual serial port for Mac

2025-09-25T19:26:17Z

Replaced “insert info here” language with the actual serial port for Mac

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 25 September 2025
Line 83:		Line 83:
	On Windows, this is probably one of COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, COM5. Once you connect the vinyl cutter, you can look in devices and see what it was assigned.		On Windows, this is probably one of COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, COM5. Once you connect the vinyl cutter, you can look in devices and see what it was assigned.

	On Mac, it will be ~~something like~~ /dev/tty.~~usb??? [insert help on finding this for mac]~~		On Mac, it will be: /dev/tty.usbmodemSTM32101

	== Tools and Transfer Paper ==		== Tools and Transfer Paper ==

Tracy: /* Software */

2022-06-14T23:49:10Z

Software

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:49, 14 June 2022
Line 74:		Line 74:

	[[File:vc_plotsettings.png\|400px]]		[[File:vc_plotsettings.png\|400px]]

	Make sure Port type: Serial is selected.		Make sure Port type: Serial is selected.

Tracy: /* Software */

2022-06-14T23:48:36Z

Software

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:48, 14 June 2022
Line 74:		Line 74:

	[[File:vc_plotsettings.png\|400px]]		[[File:vc_plotsettings.png\|400px]]
			Make sure Port type: Serial is selected.

	The first time that you run the Plot extension, you will need to set the serial port being used by the vinyl cutter. The rest of the settings can stay at the default.		The first time that you run the Plot extension, you will need to set the serial port being used by the vinyl cutter. The rest of the settings can stay at the default.
Line 82:		Line 83:

	On Mac, it will be something like /dev/tty.usb??? [insert help on finding this for mac]		On Mac, it will be something like /dev/tty.usb??? [insert help on finding this for mac]


	== Tools and Transfer Paper ==		== Tools and Transfer Paper ==

Jondale: /* Troubleshooting */

2022-02-07T02:22:31Z

Troubleshooting

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:22, 7 February 2022
Line 115:		Line 115:
	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==

	...		The vinyl cutter itself has built-in memory and sometimes there are remnants from a previous job. It's important to clear the memory by using the reset button before each cut.

			Make sure that the knife holder is in place and tightened down. If it is just a little loose then it will seem to work but your results will be a little oddly shaped and imperfect.

			Make sure that the knife is clean. It can collect adhesive or small bits of vinyl over time. Alcohol will clean the adhesive away.

			When all else fails:
			* Reset or power cycle the Vinyl Cutter
			* In Inkscape, select all, copy, create a new document, paste and use the new document.

	== Thanks ==		== Thanks ==

	Thank you to Tracy and Andrew for being hand models.		Thank you to Tracy and Andrew for being hand models.