Shapes not closing?!! Help!

[oddmentsandtweaks]

I'm having a problem where my shapes aren't closing completely while cutting.

I know that designs are sometimes not closed properly--but that's not the problem. Even the font I try to cut from SCAL isn't closing properly. It's like it does almost everything, except towards the end of the design or a detail, it will lift up before finishing the cut. It's driving me just a little batty, especially because some of the cuts I'm doing are small and it's difficult to finish cutting the design myself. That's the whole reason I have this program and machine, right? I only have the problem when I cut from SCAL, it cuts just fine from the cartridge, so it can't be the machine itself.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I feel like pulling my hair out here.

Here are my details:
Windows XP
SCAL 2.030
Cricut Expressions

[talanhart]

How much isn't cutting? Make sure you don't have any artwork outside of the dotted lines on the virtual cutting mat.

[oddmentsandtweaks]

How much isn't cutting? Make sure you don't have any artwork outside of the dotted lines on the virtual cutting mat.

Everything is well within the lines on the mat. It's leaving tiny gaps... a millimeter or less.

I uploaded a picture so you can see.

[gj1]

I don't have this issue at this time...so I would think perhaps it is a problem with your computer...perhaps your security software running interference, a memory issue...do you ever do a disk cleanup on you computer to free up memory space?
(Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup). Whenever I have had cutting problems, and my computer then went in the shop, they would get my puter back in shape and then things cut right.

Also, I always keep a pair of magnifying glasses around and a razor knife...it is just part of the craft I have learned, sometimes. Plus, perhaps make certain there are not other programs open at the same time as SCAL. Just some thoughts that might help. Sorry I can't know more.

You could email craftedge and see what they have to say. So many variables are a part of this process.
But, I am curious what that is you are cutting?

[oddmentsandtweaks]

Well, I noticed the problem just recently, and it's been after I updated to the latest version. Does anyone have a link where I can re-download version 2.028? That was the last one I was running without problems.

In the picture I'm downloading a gator head I found here on the forums, and the letters XPA from a font on my computer. I could understand if the gator head had a problem, but I don't see why a font should also be having the problem.

[gj1]

OK, now I see the gator, sorry. It looks like your cut has been done tooooooo firmly, perhaps lighten your pressure one notch. Maybe your blade is dragging. I have found I have to use a different pressure and blade depth even with
Scal, than with cartridges.

[oddmentsandtweaks]

Yes, I know the settings for firmness were slightly off on this particular cut. It was just a quickie to show the problem. It's been doing this whether or not the settings are correct. I know the perfect settings for vinyl when cutting with SCAL, and still have the problem, though I didn't before.

I appreciate the help, though. I have went into my security software and added the program as an exclusion. Will try your other suggestions, too, and let you know if that helps.

[gj1]

If it does not work, I would call support. Good luck!

[Sweetness4713]

PM me your email and I will send you 2.028

[oddmentsandtweaks]

Still pending Sweetness4713's file of the 2.028 version--we're having technical email difficulties.

In the meantime, I did try some of the other suggestions. I COMPLETELY cleaned my computer. I ran combofix, spybot, ccleaner, and my antivirus program. I added the entire FOLDER that SCAL lives in to the exclude list in my antivirus program. Then I defragged and gave it a night to rest. The next day I tried to cut again, with ONLY SCAL running. No avail. I'm still having the same problem.

I'd like to try out 2.028 again and see if that resolves the problem before I contact support...