Trouble cutting with Roland SP-540v

[tancehughes]

We've had a Roland SP-540v since March, and while I love the thing, I tend to have problems cutting with it.

I'm trying to cut stickers about 5"x4" that have some text in them. The text is not very detailed and it's semi-bold, so it's not thin either. I find that my letters don't get cut all the way around and they try to somewhat rip up some of the letters.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this cut to where it's an easy weed without tearing up my letters? Thanks.

[Homer]

sounds like you need a new blade. I am not sure what program your using for a rip, but flexi allows you to make multiple passes if it's a hard to cut film like reflective or mask film.

also, check your belt that moves the cutting head left to right, it may be a little loose.

[tancehughes]

Homer, wouldn't multiple passes cause it to tear even more? Even if I decreased my blade pressure? These letters are about 1 inch tall. I am using VersaWorks

[Gilligan]

New blade?  It seems no matter what problems happen on our cutter it comes down to old blade and we failed to notice it while we fought with a ton of other settings.

[Homer]

if it's tearing while it's cutting, it is deffinatly your blade.  get a new one and make sure you get the proper degree. 30 degree for fine detail and thin media, 45 degree for average cutting and 60 degrees for thick materials.

[Im-Magic]

Is your blade too far out. A blade out mre than it should be will cause to problems you are having.

[tancehughes]

Guys I replaced the blade and it solved the problem for the most part. I still find it a little bit difficult to get some of the detailed small cuts where I want them, but it GREATLY improved simply with a new blade... Go figure, I'm still new to the digital printing..

Thanks!

[Gilligan]

First COUPLE of times, I refused to believe it could be the blade.  Just didn't seem to make sense.  I spent too much time f'ing with too many other things vs just replacing the stupid blade.

Though I will say, I think I am done with Roland cutters.