Edge problem

[cauthbodva]

We have a 15" Edge that has worked great for years, but it recently started cutting badly (like its got a bad blade). We've replaced the blade, but it still cuts bad. We use a separate blade for reflective vinyl, and it cuts bad also. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Digital_Dan]

How's the plastic strip that the blade cuts against? I know sometimes you might have to replace that strip.

 

[gabagoo]

The strip is most likely the problem but then it depends on what cutter you are using. some dont have one

 

[signage]

The edge is not a cutter! Maybe that is why it is cutting bad, the edge is a printer!

 

[Shovelhead]

Surely you're referring to your GS-15???

 

[Mike Paul]

You must mean a Gerber Plotter.
There a some adjustments you can do yourself. Need more details...

 

[cauthbodva]

Sorry, yes, it's a 15" plotter, and it is rather old, but has always worked great until now.

 

[James Chrimes]

are the metal guides dry? You might need to put a little three in one on them. Restart your computer and try again.

 

[WhiskeyDreamer]

i have a super sprint that's over twenty years old, and it still cuts fine....so there has to be a way of fixing the problem...

try what sign solutions said, change to new blades, make sure you're putting in the right angle blade for the material you're cutting, make sure the blade isn't sticking out too far (i don't think you have to actually set the blade on the GS15 like you do with the Sprint..it's been awhile for me), and also make sure that all your connections from PC to plotter are good

 

[signage]

explain the bad cuts! what is happening cut too deep, not cutting deep enough, pulling up corners, etc. bad cuts don't tell us anything.

 

[cauthbodva]

It's not cutting deep enough, on any setting (high performance, quantum or reflective), and changing the depth on the blade holder doesn't seem to help much.

 

[petepaz]

if you get it repaired may cost about $150.00 still cheaper than a new plotter
we had some problems with ours after 5 years it was cutting off line got it repaired from the vender been good as new last 2 years

 

[Mike Paul]

You never posted the model you have but this may help you.

Plotter Adjustments

When making plotter adjustments, refer to the diagram in the Appendix

and the “HS15plus Plotter Parts List” for part identification. The numbers

in parentheses in the text refer to the numbers in the diagram.

Z AXIS (TOOL HEIGHT) ADJUSTMENT

Symptoms

. The tool does not touch the material or touches only between

characters.

. The knife does not cut deeply enough.

Objective

To set the height of the lift fork for consistent contact of tool holder with

material.

Adjustment Procedure

To perform the tool height adjustment

1. Turn off power at the plotter.

2. Remove the knife and vinyl from the plotter, then return the knife to

the plotter.

3. Locate the cam shaft (2) and rotate it by hand until the lifting fork

(61) is at its lowest position. There should be a small gap between

the top of the fork and the bottom lip of the tool holder.

4. Place a double thickness of vinyl horizontally between the fork and

the lip of the tool holder.

5. Locate the lifting fork lever (34) beneath the tool force housing (73).

6. Loosen the Phillips head screw (32) on the lifting fork lever (34) so

that you can adjust the pad (33).

7. Slide the lever left or right until the gap between the lifting fork (61)

and the lip of the tool holder is about the double thickness of a piece

of vinyl.

8. Tighten the Phillips screw (32).

Note: If a “half moon” is worn on the wedge (33), do not attempt any

further modification. Call Gerber Field Service.

 

[cauthbodva]

Does anyone have any idea where I can get a diagram of the gerber 15" plotter? We don't have the manual.

 

[cauthbodva]

Never mind. I found it on the GSP site

 

[signage]

Which plotter do you have? Gerber has made several different models!

 

[cauthbodva]

Thanks Mike Paul.
I used the plotter adjustment instructions you posted, and after a few tries, our gerber is cutting beautifully again!