C+H issues

[oakandiron]

I have a C+H 6100 that is giving me issues lately. I don't have a manual with it, so I don't know much other than put in what you want to cut, and cut it. But the other day I tried to cut plexi and it seems that my plexi blade is pushed too far in and it cracking through the sheet. Does anyone have experience with this machine and know how to back the blade up? I tried adjusting it, but I probably only made it worse! Thanks for your help.

[Rick Granick]

Be sure you have a nice sharp blade installed in the head's cartridge.*

Start with the blade just resting on the surface of the plexi sheet at the top of the score line, and pull the head down smoothly to score. No need to apply too much pressure. Brush away any "frass" that's on the plexi or the blade that might impede your work. Repeat this about 4 or 5 times to get a nice little crevice. You'll get a clean snap-off, just like cutting glass. Use a razor blade to finish by cutting through the back masking sheet.

:cool: Rick

*You ARE using the little plexi-cutting blade-holder insert switched out for the glass wheel one, and NOT the board-cutting blade, right?

[oakandiron]

Yea, I'm using the right blade. It's just that my C+H has a lock on it. So that when you push the blade all the way in it locks in place. Should I not use the lock and just use hand pressure to keep the blade against the plexi? It's always worked for me before.

[Rick Granick]

The way mine works, the lock is only functional when you have the board-cutting (Stanley-type) blade rotated into cutting position. When the turret is rotated to use the glass wheel or plexi cutter inserts, the tool simply rests on the material with pre-set spring pressure (which can be augmentd by your hand depending on how you hold the head/handle). If your handle is locking into the out position, it sounds like the turret might be in the wrong position. Or posibly it is worn and not functioning properly. Make sure your tool-holder insert is pushed all the way into its receptor opening and tighten it into place w. the knob.
:kaffeetrinker_2: Rick