Cutting cursive fonts

[heidijw]

Hi

I've just bought SCAL and am really enjoying playing with it!! My one problem - so far - is that when cutting fonts that are italic and have flourishes, the paper is tearing in the intricate areas. I have tried varying the cut speed.

Has anyone else had this problem , and if so have you found a way of curing it??

Thanks
Heidi

[wreed06]

Try playing with the pressure a little, particularly with lighter weight papers. Try different paper weights - I've had better luck with a medium to heavier weight paper. I use Creative Memories paper and the paper that's in between the light weight and standard card stock cuts the best for me. Also, make sure the paper is secured well to the mat particularly where the intricate cuts will be. If the paper is not firmly attached (not so firm that you can't get it off!) in the fine cutting areas, edges tend to pull up.

And then, some designs / fonts are just not suitable for cutting.

[heidijw]

Thanks, I've been using fairly heavy weight card. I have just taken the blade off and found that small bits of paper had got into the housing - sure that wasn't helping. Have also lengthened the blade length to see if that helps.

I've got the pressure set at 5 and my blade length now set to 5 too - what settings are people using generally??

Heidi

[wreed06]

I don't know what the average settings are - I think it really depends on the individual machine, the type of paper, design complexity and speed. I think my pressure is at 5 also, and maybe the blade at 6. For cardstock, you probably need the pressure high or it won't cut through. So maybe you want to play with the speed and make sure your paper is adhered well to the mat. I think the speed in the SCAL software takes precedence over the speed dial on the Cricut machine.

[papasue]

I have also been confused on when to adjust Settings on the Cricut vs SCAL. All I've done is load mats and unload mats with the Cricut.

Does someone have any guidelines on when to use the Cricut settings vs just using SCAL

papasue

[wreed06]

The only control I see in SCAL is the speed. I adjusted the speed on the Cricut and the cutting did not change. If I change the speed in SCAL, it does change. So I would say the speed in SCAL overrides the speed setting on the Cricut. I don't see any pressure setting or blade closeness in SCAL so those would come from the Cricut. Whatever you do, DON'T change the pressure or speed while the machine is cutting! It will stop and you will have to start over with fresh paper. (Gee, how did I figure that one out?? )