C&H Mat Cutter problem

[nancyb6757]

I have had a C&H mat cutter for 30 years. Recently, I am having trouble with the bevel cutter. The blade slides out when I go to cut a mat. I have loosened the allen screws, replaced the blade and still it slips out. What is going on? I understand that these mat cutters are no longer made. I love mind! Do I need a new bevel cutter part?? Any help would be appreciated. Nancy B.

 

[Rick Granick]

The plate that holds the blade must be adjusted just right. Also, try putting a small strip of masking tape along the top edge of the blade on the side that faces out. This helps it stay put.
Rick

 

[alacrity8]

I have had a similar problem off and on.
I no longer use it regularly, as we have a Wizard, but I do need it for projects bigger than 40" x 60", some screwy projects, and I still like using it.
I I believe that loosening the Allen Screw near the depth knob, and tightening the other one usually helps (though that may be backwards).
I had not heard the idea of adding some tape to the blade. I will try that the next time I have an issue.

 

[artfolio]

If it is like my old C & H the cutting head pivot is held in place by a large screw which needs to be tightened periodically. When mine could no longer be tightened the previous owner solved the problem by inserting a thin shim washer.

 

[nancyb6757]

If it is like my old C & H the cutting head pivot is held in place by a large screw which needs to be tightened periodically. When mine could no longer be tightened the previous owner solved the problem by inserting a thin shim washer.

I did have a thin shim washer in there that I flipped and it seemed to do the trick. Do you know where I can find more of those washers?

 

[nancyb6757]

The plate that holds the blade must be adjusted just right. Also, try putting a small strip of masking tape along the top edge of the blade on the side that faces out. This helps it stay put.
Rick

I will try that. Thanks! Also, I flipped the washer once I removed the big screw and that seemed to help.

 

[Rick Granick]

I think the cutter came with a little kit that included very thin shim washers. Not sure where you would buy them aftermarket, but they must be out there somewhere. Perhaps Grainger or another industrial supply outlet. I think the idea is that, in order for the outer blade holder plate to properly grip the blade it is less important that it be as tight as possible, but rather at the ideal angle relative to the inner part of the blade holder. Hope that makes sense.
Rick

 

[alacrity8]

I think the cutter came with a little kit that included very thin shim washers. Not sure where you would buy them aftermarket, but they must be out there somewhere. Perhaps Grainger or another industrial supply outlet. I think the idea is that, in order for the outer blade holder plate to properly grip the blade it is less important that it be as tight as possible, but rather at the ideal angle relative to the inner part of the blade holder. Hope that makes sense.
Rick

Hmmm.
I thought the shims were to keep the blade holder correctly aligned with the part that slides on the bar.
Perhaps you could use Hole Reinforcements?

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[nancyb6757]

I think the cutter came with a little kit that included very thin shim washers. Not sure where you would buy them aftermarket, but they must be out there somewhere. Perhaps Grainger or another industrial supply outlet. I think the idea is that, in order for the outer blade holder plate to properly grip the blade it is less important that it be as tight as possible, but rather at the ideal angle relative to the inner part of the blade holder. Hope that makes sense.
Rick

Yes, thank you. Mine did not come with the washers. I will look around.

 

[Rick Granick]

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