Instruction Manual
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Foster KeenCut
Evolution Rotary
Cutter
Evolution
INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for choosing the Keencut Evolution.
Every effort has been made to bring you a superbly built
product with the promise of many years of good service.
Keencut – the world’s finest cutting machines
Keencut Limited, Baird Road, Willowbrook Industrial Estate, Corby, Northants, ENGLAND NN17 5ZA.
Telephone: 01536 263158 Facsimile: 01536 204227 E-mail: info@keencut.co.uk
www.keencut.co.uk
1 Contents
2 Before you Start
2.1 Checking the bench for installation
2.2 Check and adjust worktop flatness
The fixing bracket jacking screws
2.2 Setting out the fixing brackets
3 Setting up
3.1 Fitting the Lift Handles (remove strapping)
3.2 Adjust for groove alignment
3.3 Positioning the Base Fixing brackets
3.4 Check and adjust the clamping
3.5 Adjust for flatness and grip - paper test
3.6 Build up bench surface
4 Operation
4.1 About the blades - inserting and setting the blade - blade
depth adjuster
4.2 Inserting the blade and setting the depth
4.3 Inserting and aligning the material
4.4 Cutting heavy and lightweight materials
4.5 Using the textile cutting attachment
5 Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning and lubrication - (warning note)
Adjusting the cutting head sliding bearings.
1
Contents
1
2.1 Before you start 2.1
Overall length of cutter
Worktop
9.5cm
Overall length of cutter
Worktop
15cm
24.5cm
9.5cm
● Evolution 160cm (64”) overall length 177.5cm (69.9”) 4 base fixing brackets
● Evolution 210cm (84”) overall length 227.5cm (89.6”) 5 base fixing brackets
● Evolution 260cm (104”) overall length 277.5cm (109.25”) 6 base fixing brackets
● Evolution 310cm (124”) overall length 327.5cm (128.9”) 7 base fixing brackets
● Evolution 360cm (144”) overall length 377.5cm (148.6”) 8 base fixing brackets
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✍
CHECKING THE BENCH FOR INSTALLATION
■ Do not remove the Evolution from its packing crate until the instruction below
says so.
■ As part of the installation there are a number of checks/adjustments to be made,
it is essential that time is put aside to carry these out properly or the overall
performance of the cutter will be affected.
The Evolution Cutter Bar can be fixed to an existing work bench or to a KEENCUT
bench, the bench must be stable enough so that it does not flex when pushed from the
side and the worktop made from a robust material, firmly fixed to the frame and ideally
flat to within 3mm (1/8”).
The cutter can be fixed along the edge of the bench or slightly inboard but do not mount
the cutter too far away from the edge as it could become difficult or uncomfortable to
operate if you have to lean too far over when making a cut.
If the cutter is to be mounted along the edge of the bench draw a line 9.5cm in from the
edge of the worktop and the length of the cutter as listed below.
Should you want to use the cutter, say, 15cm in from the edge draw the line
15 + 9.5 = 24.5cm from the edge of the worktop.
2.2 Before you start 2.2
CHECK & ADJUST THE WORKTOP FLATNESS
Check the flatness of the worktop by stretching a thin piece of strong thread between two
blocks (of the same height) approximately over the line. Measure the highest and lowest
part of the worktop under the thread, the difference between the two measurements
should be no more than 3mm (1/8”).
?mm
?±3mm
✓
worktop
➤
➤
If it is....
Adjust the surface flatness by adding packing pieces made from 2-3mm (1/16”) thick
rigid material such as PVC Foamboard, under the Base Mounting Brackets as they are
installed (next section).
THE FIXING BRACKET JACKING SCREWS
The Base Fixing Brackets are designed to hold the Base of the cutter firmly in position
and provide a means to adjust the cutter Base for both flatness and alignment of the
cutting groove. Check the Jacking Screws are screwed up finger tight as shown before
fitting the Brackets to the worktop.
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➤
9.7cm
42cm
2.3 Before you start 2.3
SETTING OUT THE FIXING BRACKETS
Place a Bracket 9.7cm (3.8”) in from the left hand end of the pencil line as shown,
ensure the groove along the centre of the Bracket is aligned with the pencil line and
screw it down to the worktop with two of the short wood screws provided. Fix the
remaining brackets along the line leaving a 42cm (16.5”) gap between them. When
screwing them all down firmly again ensure the groove in the centre of the bracket
aligns with the pencil line.
42cm 42cm42cm9.7cm
● Example:
Evolution 160, 4 base fixing brackets
Evolution 160cm (64”)
Remove the clear plastic stretch-wrap bands.
2.4 Before you start 2.4
Lift the Evolution cutter bar from its crate but do not remove the clear plastic stretch-wrap
bands holding the base to the cutter bar. Place the Evolution centrally on the Brackets
and manoeuvre it until the base is located properly down on each of the Brackets.
Tighten the grub screws at the back of each of the Brackets by 4 full turns and then
tighten the front grub screws fully (approx 4- 6 turns).
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3.1 Setting Up 3.1
FITTING THE LIFTING HANDLES
Fix the Lift & Hold Handles at each end of the cutter bar, the machined out section of
the fork faces to the centre of the machine and is inserted into place at an angle as
shown. Once in position straighten so that the rectangular feature on the handle fits into
its mating hole in the adjacent black steel part.
Tighten firmly, the clamping screw using the 5mm Allen key provided.
3.2 Setting Up 3.2
CHECK & ADJUST THE CUTTING GROOVE ALIGNMENT
Check the back of the cutting groove in the Base is in line with the edge of the cutter bar
so that a blade in the cutting head will run the full length of the machine without touching
either side of the groove, if it does not....
Adjust the straightness of the Base by adjusting the back and front grub screws in the
Base Fixing Brackets:
To push the groove away from you, loosen the
back grub screw in the adjacent Bracket/s and
then tighten the front grub screw by the same
amount, this slightly distorts the Base and aligns
the groove to the cutter bar. You may find that if
a part of the groove needs to move by a large
amount the neighbouring Brackets may also need
to be adjusted. After making an adjustment pull
the lift and hold handles towards you to lift the
cutter bar and lower it again to re-settle it, check
and adjust further if required.
To pull the groove towards you the procedure is the same as above, but loosen the front
grub screw and tighten the back grub screw.
BACK
FRONT
? = ?
? < ?
✓
✗
3.3 Setting Up 3.3
Place two of the long wood screws in the front holes of the Fixed Arms (A) and screw
then in but do not tighten them. Loosen the four Allen head screws (B) joining the Fixed
Arms to the Base by one turn then fully tighten screws (A).
To enable the table surface to be cleared of the cutter bar when it is required for other
work the whole cutter bar can be lifted and swung on its hinges towards you so that it
hangs down along the edge of the work bench (this also helps with cleaning).
x4
x2
NOTE: Be particularly careful with the longer versions of cutter as they are very heavy.
Carefully swing the cutter bar down now and place the remaining two long wood screws
(C) into the back two holes of the Fixed Arms and tighten. Return the cutter bar to its
working position.
x2
3.4 Setting Up 3.4
It is essential that the material being cut, whether a thin paper/film or a thick board, is
clamped securely in the machine whilst being cut. There is a silicon cord set into the
Base to grip the underside of the material and two similar grippers set into the underside
of the Cutter Bar. These should be periodically checked and kept in good condition;
replacement silicon cords are available from your Keencut dealer.
There is a Tilt Adjustment Knob at each end of the cutter bar to set the angle of the
Cutter Bar to suit different thicknesses of material. When changing the thickness, place
the material to be cut under the Cutter Bar, release both knobs, raise the Cutter Bar
slightly then lower it again to settle it in position. Tighten both Tilt Adjustment Knobs and
the cutter is set for that thickness of material.
Set the tilt adjustment knobs to suit paper.
THIN
THICK
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➤
3.5 Setting Up 3.5
CHECK AND ADJUST THE CLAMPING
Check the grip of the cutter bar using an A4/foolscap piece of paper. Starting at one end,
lift the cutter bar and place the paper under it, when lowered, the weight of the cutter bar
should grip the paper. Try to pull the paper free, if it is not clamped sufficiently note its
position and work your way down the cutter repeating the test with the paper and noting
where it is not clamped sufficiently.
A4
➠
A4
➠
A4
➠
✓✓
TIP: Each full swing of the wrench adjusts the Base by the same amount,
so by adjusting the Jacking Screws in full swings, counting them will help to keep
the Base level.
Adjust the clamping by turning the Jacking Screws in the Base Fixing Brackets that are
adjacent to the areas that are not clamping the paper. Turn the Jacking Screws clockwise (as you look down on them) using the wrench supplied. Turn both the front and back
Jacking Screw by the same amount (to keep the Bracket level) until the paper is gripped.
You may find that two or three adjacent Brackets need adjusting if you have a wide area
that does not clamp.
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✗
3.6 Setting Up 3.6
Once the Evolution has been set up all that needs to be done is build the level of the
worktop surface up by 15 - 16mm ( 5/8”) in the area behind the cutter. If you have
mounted the cutter away from the edge of the worktop you can build this area up as well.
Either solid boards or thin boards supported on packing strips can be used.
NOTE: If your worktop is not flat and the Jacking Screws have been set to
compensate for it, should a solid board be used to build up the worktop and screwed
down unto it, it could alter the levels of the bench and affect the clamping. It is better
to use an adhesive (a few spots of silicone adhesive/sealer generally works well)
or double sided sticky tape to stop it sliding out of position.
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4.1 Operation 4.1
The Evolution Cutter Bar has been designed to cut a variety of boards to a thickness of
10mm (0.4”) using a Medium Duty utility blade.
However, an increased cutting depth of 13mm (0.5”) can be obtained using the
KEENCUT XR utility blade, available from your distributor or Keencut.
Consideration should be given to the toughness of the board being cut and the maximum
depth of cut. It is recommended that heavy materials such as PVC foamboard should
only be cut to a maximum of 6mm (0.25”) whereas, lighter materials like foam centred
board can be cut up to 13mm (0.5”) thick using the KEENCUT XR blade
4.2 Operation 4.2
INSERTING THE BLADE AND SETTING THE DEPTH
1. The blade is inserted from the back of the blade holder, push it fully forward and
tighten the wingbolt.
2. To set the blade for a repeatable cutting depth unclamp the blade and turn the knob at
the front of the cutter, clockwise to increase blade depth & counter clockwise to decrease.
Re-clamp the blade before use.
TIP - Set the blade depth so that you are only just cutting through the board, it takes
much less effort and produces a better cut.
➠
4.3 Operation 4.3
INSERTING AND ALIGNING THE MATERIAL
Pull either of the two Lift & Hold Levers forward to raise the Cutter Bar and slide the
material to be cut underneath it use the position of the cutting groove in the Base to get
an approximate position, lower the Cutter Bar pushing either Lift & Hold Lever away from
you. Align the sight edge with your cutting marks by slightly raising the Cutter Bar and
adjusting the position of the board at each end. The cutter will cut within 0.5 to 1mm
[0.02” to 0.04”] of the sight edge; this small gap allows easier alignment when cutting to
the edge of an image.
Check that the width of the Cutter Bar is laying flat on the surface of the material, if not
loosen both Tilt Adjustment Knobs, lift the Cutter Bar and lower it down again to settle it in
position and tighten both Tilt Adjustment Knobs. The cutter is now set for cutting all types
of material of that thickness.
The flip over Material Stop can be introduced to prevent heavy materials sliding when
taking deep cuts.
➤
NOTE: If you are cutting small pieces of board place
it at right hand end of the Cutter Bar against the
Material Stop and place scraps of the same thickness
material under the remaining bar to support it and
prevent sagging.
4.4 Operation 4.4
...for cutting foam centred board, PVC foamboard and heavyweight materials.
Place your hand on the cutter, as shown, with the palm of your hand positioned over the
silver coloured bar on the front edge of the cutter. Place your left hand on the finger grip
of the straight edge, depress the cutter and push it away from you to cut. Dependent
upon the nature and thickness of the material you may need to take more than one cut
gradually increasing the depth.
..for cutting film and lightweight materials.
Place your hand on the cutter, as shown, with your finger tips positioned on the silver
coloured bar across the front edge of the cutter. Depress the cutter and pull to cut, there
is no need to hold the cutter bar down when cutting.
➠
➠
4.5 Operation 4.5
USING THE TEXTILE CUTTING ATTACHMENT
The Evolution is supplied with an attachment that fits onto the cutting head to enable it to
cut textiles. It uses a circular blade to press down onto the surface of the textile held
over a plastic strip embedded in the base of the machine.
Firstly, raise the Cutter Bar using either Lift & Hold Lever, then Loosen both of the Hinge
Knobs until the underside of the knob clears its’ location recess, Push the Cutter Bar
away from you until the underside of the knob is positioned over the middle recess and
tighten the knob holding the knurled end of the Hinge Bolt to prevent it turning. Repeat at
the other end. The Cutter Bar is now positioned over the plastic Cutting Strip.
The third (furthest) position is also for cutting textile but uses a different part of the
Cutting Strip should it become worn. The Cutting Strip can also be removed, turned
around or flipped over then replaced to further extend its life. Replacement Cutting Strips
are available from your Keencut agent.
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➤
4.6 Operation 4.6
To fit the Textile Cutter, remove the utility blade, unscrew the Thumb Cap and position the
attachment on the side of the Cutting Head then replace the Thumb Cap.
Position the textile on the machine and lower the Cutter Bar. Rotate the red safety guard
into the cutting position, lower the Cutting Head in the normal way and draw the cutting
wheel along the textile in one small motion.
This facility can also be used to cut thin papers and many other flimsy materials, always
carry out a test cut on materials that have not been cut using this method.
➤
➤
5.1 Maintenance 5.1
CLEANING AND LUBRICATION
It is good practice to keep a dust sheet over the Evolution if it is not to be used for
extended periods. In any event regularly clean it with a dry cloth, to remove any
stubborn stains use a cloth dampened with a little water/detergent.
Should the cutting head slideway require lubrication use a silicon spray or impregnated
sponge.
CUTTING HEAD BEARINGS
The bearings that control the sliding motion of the cutting head are manufactured from a
high grade polymer and under normal use will last for an extremely long time. As they
settle into position you may find a slight amount of side play, this can be removed by
tightening the two adjustment screws:
Place the long end of the 2mm Allen key provided onto either of the two screws and very
gradually tighten it with one hand whilst moving the Cutting Head up and down with the
other. Once you feel the sliding motion start to tighten undo the screw the smallest
amount so the Cutting Head just slides easily.
Repeat this on the second screw, two or three finer adjustments on each screw may be
needed to achieve an easy sliding movement with zero side play.
Do not use oil or spirits to lubricate or clean the Evolution,
some of the plastic components and bearings may be damaged.
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