I have always used a C&H...recently purchased a used Fletcher 2000. I have taken apart the machine head and adjusted everything as well as I could...unfortunately it seems to naturally swivel on the bar. This makes the cuts very difficult to manage. Any suggestions...should the weight be shifted to the right (back) or forward into the cut??
Mat Cutter Problems
- Thread starter Big Belly
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 5, 1997
- Posts
- 3,821
- Business
- The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc
OK....we need more information here....
Hello BB and welcome to the Grumble,
Hopefully I might be able to offer some assistance.
"naturally swivel on the bar"....means rocking left and right on either side of the bar that runs down the middle of the clamp?
If this is the case, then you need to adjust the small allen screw that sits inside the right side of the cutting head. While the head is in motion, if you turn this clockwise, it will put force on a small bearing that runs on the right wear strip. This should eliminate play in the cutting head over the bar.
The two other openings (allen screws) on either end of the cutting head adjust the two bushings on either end. They in turn, eliminate play on to the head left and right as a side to side motion.
Did you take the head off the clamp to assure that the bearing is still in place (right internal). The first models had only two bearings while most F-2000's had three.
The F-2000 was introduced in 1987 and replaced by the F-2100 in about 1991-92, but you might still be able to get your hands on an old manual if you don't have one.
Get back to me if I can be of further assistance, or contact customer service at 1-800-THE-FTCO.
Regards,
John
Big Belly said:
Hello BB and welcome to the Grumble,
Hopefully I might be able to offer some assistance.
"naturally swivel on the bar"....means rocking left and right on either side of the bar that runs down the middle of the clamp?
If this is the case, then you need to adjust the small allen screw that sits inside the right side of the cutting head. While the head is in motion, if you turn this clockwise, it will put force on a small bearing that runs on the right wear strip. This should eliminate play in the cutting head over the bar.
The two other openings (allen screws) on either end of the cutting head adjust the two bushings on either end. They in turn, eliminate play on to the head left and right as a side to side motion.
Did you take the head off the clamp to assure that the bearing is still in place (right internal). The first models had only two bearings while most F-2000's had three.
The F-2000 was introduced in 1987 and replaced by the F-2100 in about 1991-92, but you might still be able to get your hands on an old manual if you don't have one.
Get back to me if I can be of further assistance, or contact customer service at 1-800-THE-FTCO.
Regards,
John
if absolutely nothing else, sounds as tho your cutter needs a new set of nylon/plastic bearings that are at the 2 ends of the head-that go around the shaft....if it's that old they may not be worth much today. I replaced mine last year after only 3-4 years--they were beginning to look a little tired, and I think I'm soon to be up for a couple more---beginning to get a little loose & adjustments dont take out that much play...go to fletcher web in the obsolete section
Bogframe
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Another problem is that when you're used to cutting with a sliding block, it's hard to make the transition to a rolling block. I can't cut a decent may on our Fletcher without using stops because the block tends to ride forward on me when I plunge the blade into the board.
That being said, try locking your wrist and keeping your arm parallel to the bar. All the movement you make when you cut should be coming from your elbow and your shoulder. Try it, it works for me.
That being said, try locking your wrist and keeping your arm parallel to the bar. All the movement you make when you cut should be coming from your elbow and your shoulder. Try it, it works for me.
This sound like the same problem I'm having, but the rocking only shows on theh mats when I'm cutting an 8ply board. I had inherited this cutter from another framer and the serial number is worn out I'm not even sure what model it is.
BB any luck?
BB any luck?
- Joined
- Nov 5, 1997
- Posts
- 3,821
- Business
- The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc
Check the Mat Guide
Randy,
Your model number is typically displayed on the mat guide and not on the end of the machine where the serial number is displayed although it is there also.
I would highly recommend an F-2100 or an F-2200 over the really older F-2000 model that BB is using. Play in a cutting head is an issue with all mat cutters, especially as they age & wear. However, the F-2000 has four components interacting: Head, Pivot Assembly, Clamp and Wear Strips. The newer models from the F-2100 forward do NOT have the wear strips and honestly are easier to keep adjusted with less play.
Naturally this would have an impact the more difficult the material being cut, like 8ply.
I would suggest that BB pick up a good used F-2100 like the one that Bill Zimdar is selling in Michigan.
Good luck.
John
Randy,
Your model number is typically displayed on the mat guide and not on the end of the machine where the serial number is displayed although it is there also.
I would highly recommend an F-2100 or an F-2200 over the really older F-2000 model that BB is using. Play in a cutting head is an issue with all mat cutters, especially as they age & wear. However, the F-2000 has four components interacting: Head, Pivot Assembly, Clamp and Wear Strips. The newer models from the F-2100 forward do NOT have the wear strips and honestly are easier to keep adjusted with less play.
Naturally this would have an impact the more difficult the material being cut, like 8ply.
I would suggest that BB pick up a good used F-2100 like the one that Bill Zimdar is selling in Michigan.
Good luck.
John
Thanks I had to dig up the mat guide, I haven't used it in years. I've got the F 2000, do you know if the bushings are still available? I'm trying FT too. Thanks again.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 1997
- Posts
- 3,821
- Business
- The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc
Some....but not all spart parts available
Randy,
You might want to call customer service at Fletcher-Terry 1-800-FTCO. Here is their spare parts list for the F-2000 currently available. I didn't see the bushing on this list.
Regards,
John
Randy,
You might want to call customer service at Fletcher-Terry 1-800-FTCO. Here is their spare parts list for the F-2000 currently available. I didn't see the bushing on this list.
Regards,
John
Randy,
You might want to call customer service at Fletcher-Terry 1-800-FTCO. Here is their spare parts list for the F-2000 currently available. I didn't see the bushing on this list.
Regards,
John
Thanks John
I just got off the phone with them, no bushings left and nothing compaitable.
John
Can I say thanks too much? I followed your instructions for BB, tightening the allen screw to the right and after some adjustments I think it helped. I've done one test so far and the results are noticably better. The entire head needs a good cleaning, they recomend denatured alchol, any other cleaning tips would be welcome. I am also looking for a pdf manuel or hardcopy/xerox for the Fletcher 2000, so I can figure out what replacement parts are available. At least I'm not in dire straights and can manage while I decide on what to upgrade to next.
Thanks Again~Randy
- Joined
- Nov 5, 1997
- Posts
- 3,821
- Business
- The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc
F-2000
Randy,
The only "spare parts" as in new replacement parts for the F-2000 are shown on the link that I posted previously: F-2000 Replacement Parts
I will check to see if I can find an extra F-2000 manual. Send me your mailing address in the event I dig one up (use my personal email below.)
John
Randy,
The only "spare parts" as in new replacement parts for the F-2000 are shown on the link that I posted previously: F-2000 Replacement Parts
I will check to see if I can find an extra F-2000 manual. Send me your mailing address in the event I dig one up (use my personal email below.)
John