Vinyl cutter user guide - Revision history

Espontarelli: edits to procedure

2026-07-06T19:08:21Z

edits to procedure

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:08, 6 July 2026
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	= SAFETY =		= SAFETY =
	Operation of this device requires use of sharp blades.		Operation of this device requires use of sharp blades.

	~~Disconnect power during assembly, service and maintenance.~~

	Vinyl cutters are subject to static build-up.		Vinyl cutters are subject to static build-up.
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	==== 1. Prepare design ====		==== 1. Prepare design ====

	# Use Inkscape or another vector graphics software to prepare your design and export it as an .svg file. Note that text will need to be converted to a path (Inkscape~~) or outline (Illustrator)~~.		# Use Inkscape or another vector graphics software to prepare your design and export it as an .svg file. Note that text will need to be converted to a path in Inkscape.
	# Choose a piece of vinyl that will fit your design. It is recommended that you choose a piece that will allow for at least one inch of margin in the y axis and two inches of margin in the x axis.		# Choose a piece of vinyl that will fit your design. It is recommended that you choose a piece that will allow for at least one inch of margin in the y axis and two inches of margin in the x axis.

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	'''Key cutting notes:'''		'''Key cutting notes:'''

	1. When choosing a starting location, remember that the process will start in the bottom ~~right~~ area of the design.		1. When choosing a starting location, remember that the process will start in the bottom left area of the design.

	2. Leave enough room to the left of and behind the starting location to finish the cut.		2. Leave enough room to the left of and behind the starting location to finish the cut.
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	After reviewing the above procedure, the following steps are recommended for your first test use of the vinyl cutter.		After reviewing the above procedure, the following steps are recommended for your first test use of the vinyl cutter.

			#Download [https://vector-space.org/wiki/images/9/9e/Circle.svg circle.svg] by right clicking the link and selecting Save Link As.
	# Open Inkcut (Applications > Graphics).		# Open Inkcut (Applications > Graphics).
	# Click File in the menu, then Open.		# Click File in the menu, then Open. Navigate to your downloaded file and click Open.
	# Navigate to ~~/vsfs01/share/vinyl_cutter/circle.svg~~ and click Open.
	# Load Vinyl.		# Load Vinyl.
	## Lift the three roller levers on the back of the vinyl cutter to open up the clamps.		## Choose a piece of vinyl that is at least 3" in both directions.
			## Lift the three roller levers on the back of the vinyl cutter to open up the clamps.
	## Load your sheet of vinyl into the cutter so that it slightly overhangs the ruler located on the front of the machine.		## Load your sheet of vinyl into the cutter so that it slightly overhangs the ruler located on the front of the machine.
	##* For sticker vinyl, place the vinyl facing up so that the [usually white] backing is face down.		##* For sticker vinyl, place the vinyl facing up so that the [usually white] backing is face down.
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	The following steps will cover mirroring your design, weeding, and transferring your sticker. This procedure picks up immediately after My First Vinyl Cut, and assumes your software and machine settings have already been adjusted.		The following steps will cover mirroring your design, weeding, and transferring your sticker. This procedure picks up immediately after My First Vinyl Cut, and assumes your software and machine settings have already been adjusted.
	[[File:Vinyl transfer.png\|right\|500x500px]]		[[File:Vinyl transfer.png\|right\|500x500px]]
	# Click File in the menu, then Open.		#Download [https://vector-space.org/wiki/images/6/6e/Text.svg text.svg] by right clicking the link and selecting Save Link As.
	# Navigate to ~~/vsfs01/share/vinyl_cutter/text.svg~~ and click Open.		# Click File in the menu, then Open. Navigate to your downloaded file and click Open.
	# Load Vinyl.		# Load Vinyl (choose a piece that is at least 4" in the x direction and 2" in the y direction).
	# Adjust design.		# Adjust design.
	## In the Inkcut Graphic window (right side), select the checkbox next to "Mirror about y-axis" to mirror your design. The word TEXT should now read properly left to right.		## In the Inkcut Graphic window (right side), select the checkbox next to "Mirror about y-axis" to mirror your design. The word TEXT should now read properly left to right.
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	\|Words in text not cutting completely		\|Words in text not cutting completely
	\|Solution unknown. This may be a software issue, and has not yet been solved. Suggestions include increasing the size of the text, and decreasing the speed of the cutter.		\|Solution unknown. This may be a software issue, and has not yet been solved. Suggestions include increasing the size of the text, and decreasing the speed of the cutter.
	\|}		\|}
	~~'''END OF THE PROCEDURE'''~~

Espontarelli: small updates to procedure

2026-07-05T17:54:27Z

small updates to procedure

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 5 July 2026
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	==== 2. Load vinyl ====		==== 2. Load vinyl ====
	# Lift the three roller levers on the back of the vinyl cutter to open up the clamps.		# Lift the three roller levers on the back of the vinyl cutter to open up the clamps.
	# Load your sheet of vinyl into the cutter so that ~~it slightly overhangs~~ the ruler located on the front of the machine.		# Load your sheet of vinyl into the cutter so that the closest edge lies between the blade carriage the ruler located on the front of the machine.
	#* For sticker vinyl, place the vinyl facing up so that the [usually white~~] backing~~ is face down.		#* For sticker vinyl, place the vinyl facing up so that the backing (usually white) is face down.
	#* For heat press vinyl, flip the vinyl so that the matte (non glossy) side is facing up.		#* For heat press vinyl, flip the vinyl so that the matte (non glossy) side is facing up.
	# Set the clamp levers to the middle position, locking the vinyl sheet in place.		# Set the clamp levers to the middle position, locking the vinyl sheet in place.
	#* At least two of the roller clamps will need to be clamped onto your vinyl for successful cutting.		#* At least two of the roller clamps will need to be clamped onto your vinyl for successful cutting.
	#* Avoid positioning a roller clamp in the gap between the two feed rollers (at the center of the machine).		#* Avoid positioning a roller clamp in the gap between the two feed rollers (at the center of the machine).
			# Slide the blade carriage to sit in the bottom corner of your vinyl (0,0 position: see x and y planes labeled on machine).

	==== 3. Prepare machine ====		==== 3. Prepare machine ====
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	#*Clear any vinyl scraps or debris from the blade area.		#*Clear any vinyl scraps or debris from the blade area.
	#*Check that the blade is sharp and that it is positioned to barely protrude from the blade housing.		#*Check that the blade is sharp and that it is positioned to barely protrude from the blade housing.
			#*Return the blade to the housing and tighten screw to hold it securely in place.
	#Perform a test cut on a scrap piece of your vinyl by pushing the "Test" button on the machine. This will cut a small star that will allow you to determine whether your speed and pressure settings are correct.		#Perform a test cut on a scrap piece of your vinyl by pushing the "Test" button on the machine. This will cut a small star that will allow you to determine whether your speed and pressure settings are correct.

Espontarelli: added photos

2026-07-03T16:39:23Z

added photos

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:39, 3 July 2026
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	==== 3. Prepare machine ====		==== 3. Prepare machine ====
			[[File:Vinyl Display screen.png\|right\|600x600px]]
	#Review the cutter settings on the display screen. The default settings are:		#Review the cutter settings on the display screen. The default settings are:
	#*Cut speed: 300mm/s		#*Cut speed: 300mm/s
	#* Cut press: 100g		#* Cut press: 100g
	#Check cutting blade.		#Check cutting blade.
	#*Loosen the screw on the blade carriage and remove the blade holder.		#*Loosen the screw on the blade carriage and remove the blade holder.
	#*Clear any vinyl scraps or debris from the blade area.		#*Clear any vinyl scraps or debris from the blade area.
	#*Check that the blade is sharp and that it is positioned to barely protrude from the blade housing.		#*Check that the blade is sharp and that it is positioned to barely protrude from the blade housing.
	#Perform a test cut on a scrap piece of your vinyl by pushing the "Test" button on the machine. This will cut a small star that will allow you to determine whether your speed and pressure settings are correct.		#Perform a test cut on a scrap piece of your vinyl by pushing the "Test" button on the machine. This will cut a small star that will allow you to determine whether your speed and pressure settings are correct.

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	== My Second Vinyl Cut ==		== My Second Vinyl Cut ==
	The following steps will cover mirroring your design, weeding, and transferring your sticker. This procedure picks up immediately after My First Vinyl Cut, and assumes your software and machine settings have already been adjusted.		The following steps will cover mirroring your design, weeding, and transferring your sticker. This procedure picks up immediately after My First Vinyl Cut, and assumes your software and machine settings have already been adjusted.
			[[File:Vinyl transfer.png\|right\|500x500px]]
	# Click File in the menu, then Open.		# Click File in the menu, then Open.
	# Navigate to /vsfs01/share/vinyl_cutter/text.svg and click Open.		# Navigate to /vsfs01/share/vinyl_cutter/text.svg and click Open.

Espontarelli: /* GENERAL */ updated procedure and tutorial

2026-06-29T20:01:50Z

GENERAL: updated procedure and tutorial

Show changes

Espontarelli: /* GENERAL */ Updated software changes

2026-06-29T18:18:10Z

GENERAL: Updated software changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:18, 29 June 2026
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	= GENERAL =		= GENERAL =
	~~We have a 28" USCutter MH721 and a Roland SV-8~~ vinyl cutter~~. It's~~ used to cut adhesive-backed vinyl for stickers, sign making, and screen printing. It can also cut heat press vinyl for use in printing on shirts, hats, mugs, etc.		A vinyl cutter is used to cut adhesive-backed vinyl for stickers, sign making, and screen printing. It can also cut heat press vinyl for use in printing on shirts, hats, mugs, etc.

			We have a 28" USCutter MH721 and a Roland SV-8 vinyl cutter.

	[[File:Vinyl Cutters.png]]		[[File:Vinyl Cutters.png]]

	~~TuxPlot~~ is the software used to control the vinyl cutter. It is installed on the computer in the ~~rapid prototyping area~~, ~~which~~ is ~~connected to~~ the ~~vinyl cutter~~. ~~TuxPlot only works with vector format files, so the~~ general workflow is to design something in Inkscape, save it as an .svg, then ~~import~~ that svg ~~in to TuxPlot~~ where it's sent to the cutter.		Inkcut is the software used to control the vinyl cutter. InkCut is a Python-based application that controls 2D plotters, vinyl cutters, and CNC machines. It lets you prepare graphics, scale, add weed lines, and send designs directly to your cutter. It is installed on the computer at the vinyl cutting station at Vector Space, in Printmaking.
			[[File:Inkcut1.png\|left\|thumb\|499x499px]]
			Inkcut is an extension of the vector graphics program Inkscape. The general workflow is to design something in Inkscape, save it as an .svg, then open that .svg with Inkcut where it's sent to the cutter.

			There are a few adjustment settings available in Inkcut; most of your design modification and prep work will need to be done with Inkscape.

			As seen in the screenshot here, within Inkcut you can resize, rotate, and mirror your design.

	~~[[File:tuxplot~~.~~png\|500x476px]]~~		By clicking on the Material tab (top left tab, pictured), you can adjust your material size, margin, and alignment settings.

	~~The vinyl cutter will press~~ the ~~knife into any location that isn't white. This leads to a common mistake for new users~~, ~~which is that they'll draw~~ a ~~black circle, filled with black, and the vinyl cutter will proceed~~ to ~~obliterate the entirety of the circle~~. ~~What you need to do is turn off the color fill, and turn~~ on the ~~stroke outline in Inkscape. This way your design is just the outline~~, ~~which is the path that~~ you ~~want the knife to follow~~. ~~The picture~~ to ~~the right shows what your design should look like~~.		By clicking on the Weedlines tab (middle left tab), you can add weedlines (a border cut around your graphic) to your job.

			By clicking on the Layers tab (bottom left tab), you can select different layers from your .svg file to display and cut.

	= SAFETY =		= SAFETY =
	* Operation of this device requires use of sharp blades~~, caution should be taken to make sure that fingers do not get caught in moving gears during operation~~.		Operation of this device requires use of sharp blades.
	* Disconnect power during assembly, service and maintenance. Vinyl cutters are subject to static build-up.
			Disconnect power during assembly, service and maintenance.

			Vinyl cutters are subject to static build-up.

	= REFERENCE =		= REFERENCE =
			USCutter User Manual & Assembly Instructions: https://www.uscutter.com/static/PDFs/MH_Manual_09172019.pdf

			Roland SV-8 product info: https://sfsupplies.com/pdf/Stika_Series.pdf

	* USCutter User Manual & Assembly Instructions https://www.uscutter.com/static/PDFs/MH_Manual_09172019.pdf		Inkcut walkthrough: https://www.codelv.com/projects/inkcut/docs/tutorial/
	* Roland SV-8 product info, http:~~//shorturl.at/eEZ46~~
	* Tuxplot walkthrough, https://www.~~youtube~~.com/~~watch?v=hWd-loUqZP4~~
	* Tuxplot cutting a printed logo, https://~~www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5wpX33XXu8~~
	* Collection of TuxPlot tutorials, http://~~www.securetech-ns.ca/tuxplot-help.html~~

	= PROCEDURE =		= PROCEDURE =
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	'''General Instructions:'''		'''General Instructions:'''
	# Lift the three roller levers on the vinyl cutter to open up the clamps.		# Lift the three roller levers on the back of the vinyl cutter to open up the clamps.
	# Load your sheet of vinyl into the cutter so that it overhangs the ruler located on the front of the machine. Set the clamp levers to the middle position, locking the vinyl sheet in place.		# Load your sheet of vinyl into the cutter so that it overhangs the ruler located on the front of the machine. Set the clamp levers to the middle position, locking the vinyl sheet in place. Note the x and y axis labeled on the machine.
	# Open ~~Tuxplot~~		# Open Inkcut.
	# Click File->Open and select the .svg file that you would like to cut~~. Loading the file can take a few minutes depending on complexity~~.		# Click File->Open and select the .svg file that you would like to cut.
	# Once the svg image is displayed in the preview window, you can ~~do a preview run that will simulate the path of the cutter and vinyl without pressing the cutter down. This is done by click the top right icon which shows an eyeball~~.		# Once the svg image is displayed in the preview window, you can make minor adjustments to your piece.
	# Start the cutting operation by clicking the ~~SEND button at~~ the ~~bottom left of Tuxplot~~.		# Start the cutting operation by clicking the Device menu option, then Send to device. Alternately, you can click CTRL +P to bring up the same dialog window.
			# Review the dialog window for accuracy, then click Start.

	'''Preparing For Cutting:'''		'''Preparing For Cutting:'''

Aspontarelli: /* REFERENCE */

2021-09-28T13:53:42Z

REFERENCE

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:53, 28 September 2021
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	* USCutter User Manual & Assembly Instructions https://www.uscutter.com/static/PDFs/MH_Manual_09172019.pdf		* USCutter User Manual & Assembly Instructions https://www.uscutter.com/static/PDFs/MH_Manual_09172019.pdf
	* Roland SV-8 product info, shorturl.at/eEZ46		* Roland SV-8 product info, http://shorturl.at/eEZ46
	* Tuxplot walkthrough, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWd-loUqZP4		* Tuxplot walkthrough, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWd-loUqZP4
	* Tuxplot cutting a printed logo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5wpX33XXu8		* Tuxplot cutting a printed logo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5wpX33XXu8

Aspontarelli: /* REFERENCE */

2021-09-28T13:53:29Z

REFERENCE

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:53, 28 September 2021
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	* USCutter User Manual & Assembly Instructions https://www.uscutter.com/static/PDFs/MH_Manual_09172019.pdf		* USCutter User Manual & Assembly Instructions https://www.uscutter.com/static/PDFs/MH_Manual_09172019.pdf
	* Roland SV-8.		* Roland SV-8 product info, shorturl.at/eEZ46
	~~https:~~/~~/www.totalinksolutions.com/products/stika-design-cutter-sv-8?variant=30299671953456&gclid=CjwKCAjw_sn8BRBrEiwAnUGJDo8uPrPyRxJjLj7fgeB8NmxIbE8IL8lDZWApqzIkErwcer6z2LBY5BoCKhYQAvD_BwE#~~		* Tuxplot walkthrough, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWd-loUqZP4
			* Tuxplot cutting a printed logo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5wpX33XXu8
	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWd-loUqZP4 ~~Tuxplot walkthrough]~~
	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5wpX33XXu8 ~~Tuxplot: cutting a printed logo]~~
	* Collection of TuxPlot tutorials, http://www.securetech-ns.ca/tuxplot-help.html		* Collection of TuxPlot tutorials, http://www.securetech-ns.ca/tuxplot-help.html

Aspontarelli: /* REFERENCE */

2021-09-28T13:51:57Z

REFERENCE

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:51, 28 September 2021
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	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWd-loUqZP4 Tuxplot walkthrough]		* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWd-loUqZP4 Tuxplot walkthrough]
	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5wpX33XXu8 Tuxplot: cutting a printed logo]		* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5wpX33XXu8 Tuxplot: cutting a printed logo]
			* Collection of TuxPlot tutorials, http://www.securetech-ns.ca/tuxplot-help.html

	= PROCEDURE =		= PROCEDURE =

Kbogacik: /* TROUBLESHOOTING */

2021-01-29T15:18:02Z

TROUBLESHOOTING

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:18, 29 January 2021
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	[[File:Vinyl cutter Troubleshooting 1.png]]		[[File:Vinyl cutter Troubleshooting 1.png]]

	[[File:Vinyl cutter Troubleshooting 2.png]]		[[File:Vinyl cutter Troubleshooting 2.png]]

Kbogacik: /* REFERENCE */

2021-01-29T15:14:44Z

REFERENCE

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:14, 29 January 2021
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	= REFERENCE =		= REFERENCE =
	* MH_721 Manual_09172019.pdf
	* USCutter User Manual & Assembly Instructions https://www.uscutter.com/static/PDFs/MH_Manual_09172019.pdf		* USCutter User Manual & Assembly Instructions https://www.uscutter.com/static/PDFs/MH_Manual_09172019.pdf
	* Roland SV-8.		* Roland SV-8.