Fletcher 1100 Oval cutter issues

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rocknrollron

rocknrollron

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Apr 25, 2008
Posts
197
Loc
near Washington, NJ 07882
I have the above machine I purchased "as is" from the "Rag Shop" when they went under. It has a damaged base (corner only) and it doesn't seem to clamp the mat well (it moves when cutting). (maybe I'm not doing it right? I can't seem to get the right depth or stop it from binding.)

I am thinking of buying the replacement parts from Fletcher unless someone has a unit for parts or advise for me. I might also consider selling the unit to someone that Might get more use from it than me although I'd prefer to get it working right...

Anyone out there with parts? Advise?

RocknRollRon
 
Clamping is just a matter of setting the adjustment screws so that you feel tension as you push the clamp levers down. Perhaps you should try to track down a manual from Fletcher - sorry, I only have one copy.
 
You can download and print a manual for free at the Fletcher website. L.
 
F1100 assistance...

Hey Ron,

Give a call to Mark Butwinski at M&M as he is also in NJ. See if he still has an F-1100 on premise or take yours to him. This is an issue that is best addressed face-to-face if possible.

When adjusted properly, the F-1100 is the most accurate manual Oval cutter in the world so it is worth trying to get it to operational status. Feel free to give me a call or drop me a personal email after May 9th when I return to the U.S. from a vacation in Europe, and I'll be glad to assist.

Sincerely,

John
 
I agree with what John said, the FT1100 is arguably the best oval-circle mat cutter in the industry. Here's a phone numb er for Mark. He's a great guy: 732-780-7747.

BTW, are you using a slip sheet under your mat? Without it, there's not enough thickness for the clamps to hold.
 
Thanks for the info

Thank you everyone for your support. I am certain I need at least one clamp replaced. I have the manual, have followed the directions, and have used the slip sheet...

I believe the unit may have been dropped (hence the busted corner) but everything appears to be aligned properly. I will try to give mark a call this week although I do not have immediate need for the oval cutter...

Cheers for the fast responses....I'm impressed with all the help this site makes available and I hope I can return the fsvors some time!

RocknRollRon
 
Another reason the mat is moving might be because the rear clamps aren't holding. The clamp that holds the mat and the slip mat can be made to hold tighter by simply twisting the screws below the clamps. Just the slightest extra turn might be enough to keep the mat from slipping while you cut. You might also be dialing the hold down plate too tightly causing the mat to be pulled along while you're cutting.

As for the depth. I usually make a complete pass around the mat then dial the depth of the blade a bit more and make a second pass. Sometimes a third is necessary. With practice you can get the feel of how many passes it will take to cut different matboards.

Mark
 
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