How to use the Cut-A-Circle

The Cut-A-Circle is a simple device, but there are a number of points which can assist you and help prevent you spoiling badges.There are two parts to this reactive cutting system 1 the blade on the cut a circle and 2 the base that you place your A4 paper down on before cutting see pic below

(Fig. 8.) "... center the Cut-A-Circle over your artwork..."

1. Always use the Cut-A-Circle on a hard surface such as our A4 size board BAM1800CB with your cutter.   By using a hard surface, you will achieve a clean cut through your artwork.
2. Do not use glass or tile as a base it will blunt the blade on cutter
   
   
3. Centre the Cut-A-Circle frame over your artwork. Spread the fingers of one hand and place them on the "arms" of the frame. This will ensure even pressure around the circle, to hold your artwork steadily. (Fig. 8.)
4. If you use cutting guide when doing artwork this step will be easier See Resources 
   
   
5. Place the palm of your other hand to create pressure on the handle knob and briskly rotate the handle one complete revolution. This should be sufficient to cleanly cut your artwork. If not, read the hints below.Trying to hold cutter knob with your fingers will create a cut no cut pattern.

 (Fig. 9.) "...apply a tiny drop of oil..."

It is essential for the correct functioning of the cutter that:

A. The cutter wheel is sharp and rolls easily on its shaft.
B. The cutting Base is correct.

Point A. We can supply a Cut-A-Circle Repair Kit (2225,2235.2237,2257) The repair kit includes a new cutter wheel ready mounted on a new shaft, a tool (Allen Key) to remove the old shaft and refit the new one, and a set of 'how to' instructions.

The wheel & arm must be fitted so it appears under the knob on the cutter.

But check you have the right cutting base first a soft base will not allow the blade to cut.  

Apply a tiny drop of oil (engine oil or sewing machine oil) to the wheel shaft if the wheel begins to 'drag' on your artwork. Do not apply too much, or it will drip onto your artwork.

Point B. The cutting diameter has been set at the factory to cover virtually all types and thicknesses of paper. It should only be necessary to alter this if you are making badges from thick material such as photographic paper. In this case, the diameter should be reduced from the standard setting (68.5mm) to 68mm. This is done by loosening the Allen head cap screw on the base of the arm and pushing the arm toward the centre of the circle, white paper and if the diameter is correct, re-tighten the cap screw.

As a ready reckoner, your artwork should sit in the main die with no interference or ripple, but be no looser that 0.5mm in the die.

NOTE: If the artwork is OVERSIZE or is not cut cleanly, leaving a 'tag', you risk spoiling a badge.

Cutter-Circle repair kits are available in sizes 25mm 35mm 37mm and 57mm/58mm.

you can also watch video on how to use all the cutters look under resources on the home page