T H E WORLD’S FINEST CUTTING M A C H I N E S G INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1 65 2 10 KC-ST/7298 JAN 13 Single language version and parts diagrams can be down loaded from www.keencut.co.
1 Contents 2 Packing list 2.1 Unpacking your machine 3 Assembly 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 Preparing the Legs Preparing to fit the Squaring arm Fitting the Squaring arm Fitting the Pull Bar (210 only) Fitting the Wall mounting bracket Fitting the Free standing kit (165 only) Fitting the Free standing kit (210 only) Fitting the Back panels Fitting the Handle 4 Squaring 4.1 4.2 Checking your machine for squareness Adjusting the squareness 5 Calibration 5.1 5.2 5.
2.1 Unpacking your Machine 2.1 3 4 5 6 8 7 r 9 k l j m j 210 only o 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 1 p q Main body Squaring arm Left Back Support Right Back Support Long Back Support Screws Short Back Support Screws Back Support Fixing Block Left Production Stop Right Production Stop Wall mounting bracket M8 Screws and Washers 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. n Spare blades Main Handle Hexagon wrenches 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.
3.1 Assembly 3.1 Preparing the Legs SteelTraK 210 only 2 1 3 3 The first stages of assembly are carried out with the machine laying on the floor. NOTE: When taking the machine from the box ensure at least two people are lifting. Remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight - this machine is heavy. 1. LEFT LEG - Slacken the bottom two screws and extend the telescopic leg to the desired length. (This can be readjusted later). Tighten the screws to clamp in position. 2.
3.2 Assembly 3.2 Preparing to fit the Squaring Arm 1 1 1 B A B A 2 3 1. Remove the following: A. One screw and spacer from each leg. B. Two sets of hexagon headed bolts, washers and nuts from the Main Body 2. Lay the Squaring Arm flat adjacent to the machine, position the two long hexagon nuts into the two large middle holes.
3.3 Assembly 3.3 Fitting the Squaring Arm 1 2 5 4 3 2 1. Remove the Squaring Adjuster Block from the right hand Leg by releasing the middle screw only (take note how this is fixed in place as it will replaced after the Squaring Arm has been fitted) 2. Slide the Squaring Arm in through the gap in the Main Body and screw the two hexagon bolts and washers in place loosely (3 or 4 turns will do). 3.
3.4 Assembly 3.4 Fitting the Pull Bar (210 only) 2 1 3 The SteelTraK 165 offers a fast, accurate and robust way to cut boards measuring up to 165cm (65”). The SteeltraK 210 utilises a ‘Pull Bar System’ to increase the cutting length to 210cm (82”) without compromising the straightforward way the SteelTraK cuts medium size boards.
3.5 Assembly 3.5 Fitting the Wall Mounting Bracket 1 3 2 4 4 5 NB. SteelTraK 210 only 6 NOTE A: If you are going to fit the Free Standing Kit (optional) turn to the next page. NOTE B: Ensure the wall is stable and use the appropriate fixings. 1. Lift the top end of the machine (place it on a strong stool or chair) and fit the two M8 screws (supplied separately) through the black Top Bracket into the back of each of the Legs.
3.6 Assembly 3.6 Fitting the Free Standing Kit (optional 165 only) NOTE: The Free standing kit is an optional extra and does not come packed with the main machine. Assistance will be needed to fit the Free Standing Kit 1 2 3 5 4 1. Extend the telescopic leg to the same length as the front legs less 12cm (5") 2. Get help to hold the machine vertical and attach the bracket to the top of the machine using the nuts and screws provided. 3.
3.7 Assembly 3.7 Fitting the Free Standing Kit (optional – 210 only) NOTE: The Free standing kit is an optional extra and does not come packed with the main machine. Assistance will be needed to fit the Free Standing Kit 2 3 1. First carry out the fitting procedure (1 to 5) on the previous page. 2. Attach the bracket to the end of the Squaring Arm as shown using the two bolts provided. 3. Adjust the telescopic leg so the machine stands evenly as shown.
3.8 Assembly 3.8 Fitting the Back Supports 3 4 2 5 1 1 2 1. Tighten the two sets of nuts and bolts fixing the Squaring arm two the Main Column of the machine. 2. Tighten the two screws to clamp the Squaring Arm to the two Legs. 3. Separate the Supports into left hand and right hand. NOTE: The screws fit into special grooves in the underside of the Supports.
3.9 Assembly 3.9 Fitting the Handle 1 1. Remove the three screws from the top of the Cutting Head and fix the Handle in place being sure it is the correct way round (as shown).
4.1 Squaring 4.1 Checking your machine for Squareness For your machine to produce accurate square cuts the Squaring Arm needs to be fixed at exactly 90° to the Main Column. to adjust the Squaring Arm first select a sheet of foam core or foam board (3-6mm) at least 60cm x 100cm (24” x 36”) in size. The larger the board the greater the accuracy. 1 2 1. Place the board on the machine vertically as shown and apply the clamp ensuring the bottom edge is in firm contact with the Squaring Arm. 3 2.
4.2 Squaring 4.2 Adjusting the Squareness 5 1 2 3 4 NOTE: Before making any adjustments carry out the squareness check as described on the previous page. It is assumed that the board used for the test is still clamped in the machine. From the test results determine if the last cut made in the top of the board is to the left or right of the previous cut, as shown above: 1. Slacken the two screws(1 + 4) joining the Squaring Arm to the two Legs. 2.
5.1 Calibration 5.1 Calibrating the Measuring scales 1 2 3 The vertical measuring scale is supplied separate from the machine, the two horizontal squaring arm scales are already attached to the machine but may not be positioned accurately and will need calibrating. Vertical scale: This measures the height of the board on the machine and is only used for reference. 1.
5.2 Calibration 5.2 Calibrating the Measuring scales 1 2 1 1 The two horizontal squaring arm scales are already attached to the machine but may not be positioned accurately and will need calibrating. Horizontal scales: The SteelTrak can be loaded from either side and the scales are used by eye or using the stops to measure the required width of board that will be cut off to the left or right of the cut line. the cutting blade, twin wheels and scoring tools cut on the same line.
5.3 Calibration 5.3 Fitting the Sight-line strip NOTE: The Sightline Strip is fitted to your machine but may wear or get marked with use. A spare strip is included with the machine, replacement strips are available from your distributor. 3 2 4 1 The Sight-line strip is fixed to the clamp and then trimmed using the cutting blade to give an accurate guide when cutting to trim lines, the edge of an image or pencil marks.
6.1 Operation 6.1 Using the clamp The Clamping system enables the operator to control the grip pressure by means of an integral friction brake that maintains the clamping force at the pressure applied by the operating lever. Soft materials can be held firmly without sustaining damage and solid materials held rigidly without movement.
6.2 Operation 6.2 The Cutting Head in General The Cutting Head runs up and down the Main Body of the machine on two stainless steel tracks and has zero side movement giving perfect blade control. The Main Body also encloses a balance weight system that allows the Cutting Head to be suspended at any height, benefiting blade changing and maintenance but also minimising the effort required to lift the heavy duty Cutting Head.
6.21 Operation 6.21 The Cutting Head in General 1 2 3 The three cutting tools are: 1. The Cutting Blade - Using a standard Medium Duty utility blade (not Heavy Duty they will not fit) to cut PVC Foamboards like Forex®, corrugated plastic such as Correx®, card, matboard and many other types of rigid boards up to 13mm (1/2") thick. 2.
6.22 Operation 6.22 How to use the Pull Bar System 3 Cutting boards above 165cm high is done so in two stages, the first using the Pull Bar then disengaging the Pull Bar and using the handle directly connected to the Cutting Head. To cut larger than about 165cm (65”): 1. Raise the Cutting Head to chest height, select the cutting tool required and engage it in position ready for cutting. 2. Check the black plastic handle on the Pull Bar is pointing out towards you. 3.
6.3 Operation 6.3 The Cutting Blade 2 1 3 Basic Cutting Technique. Select the Cutting Blade position on the turret and clamp the material in the machine. 1. Move the cutting head beyond the top of the material to be cut. 2. Press to engage the cutter. Draw the cutter down to the bottom of the machine where it will disengage automatically. 3.
6.31 Operation 6.31 The Cutting Blade 1 2 Ratchet Latch The unique 'Ratchet Latch', enables thick dense materials (such as PVC foam board) to be cut easily in stages. Count the number of 'clicks' to position the blade just below the surface of the material to make your first cut then add an extra 'click' for the second and subsequent cuts. 1. Pull down the Ratchet Release Lever to disengage the ratchet if required.
6.32 Operation 6.32 Changing the Cutting Blade 3 4 Changing the Cutting Blade Unlock and swing down the cutter guard, rotate the turret so the cutting blade is facing towards you. 3. Undo the blade clamping screw a number of turns to release the blade. 4. Change or turn over the blade, insert it back into the turret as far as it will go. Tighten the blade clamping screw, the safety pin will engage to hold the blade in position.
6.4 Operation 6.4 The Scoring Blade 1 3 4 2 5 The scoring blade is designed to score Acrylics, Plexiglass and other similar rigid plastics. Trials should be carried out on scrap materials first to ensure you obtain the required standard of cut. Scoring/Breaking Technique Select the Scoring Blade position on the turret and clamp the material in the machine. 1. Disengage the Ratchet. Depress the Ratchet Lever and prevent it from engaging when released by depressing the rachet Lock Button.
6.5 Operation 6.5 Glass Cutting An optional Glass Cutting Kit will be required to use this facility, operating instructions for glass cutting are not included in this manual but are supplied with the Glass Cutting Kit.
6.6 Operation 6.6 The Twin Wheel (TW) Cutter 2 1 3 4 The Twin Wheel Cutter is mounted on the upper part of the cutting head and is used for cutting a range of tough, rigid materials. The standard machine is fitted with the Composite TW Cutter and is used for cutting composite boards such as Dibond® and other materials including MDF, Masonite and Hardboard up to 4mm. Many other softer boards and card can also be cut, trials should be carried out to ensure the desired quality of cut is obtained. 1.
6.61 Operation 6.61 The Twin Wheel (TW) Cutter The cutting wheels are made from high grade tool steel and are heat treated to give give a long life but this is dependant upon daily use and the materials being cut. The signs of the wheels wearing out are: A rough finish predominately on the right hand side of the cut, with flaking on materials such as MDF. The board trying to turn under the clamp when being cut (also check the clamp pressure).
7.11 Maintenance 7.11 3 2 ä ä ä ä 5 4 1 ä Cleaning Keencut design machines to be as maintenance free as possible, however we do recommend regular cleaning. Do not wipe the squaring arm channels or remove any debris with fingers, as it may contain sharp particles such as glass. Use a vacuum cleaner if possible or if a soft brush is used, work slowly and do not allow particles to flick off of the bristles.
7.12 Maintenance 7.12 The Clamp ä ä Adjusting the Clamping Pressure The pressure of the clamp is in relation to the amount of pressure applied to the operating handle. However in time the maximum clamping pressure can reduce due to wear on the friction block (hidden within the machine), compensation for this can be made by adjusting the two small grub screws in the housing as shown.
7.13 Maintenance A 7.13 B 4 A B 1 Guide Wheel Adjustment The Cutting Head slides up and down on two stainless steel Guide Rails (1) that are embedded into the Slideway (2). There are four grooved Guide Wheels that run on the rails, the two furthest away are fixed (A) and the two closest are adjustable (B). These Guide Wheels are adjusted in the factory and should not under normal circumstances require re-adjustment.
7.14 Maintenance 7.14 Planned Maintenance Chart Frequency: After 2 weeks of use and then every month thereafter Adjust clamp pressure (page 7.12.) In the first few weeks the clamp with bed itself in and will need adjusting. See instructions on page 7.11. Check clamp alignment (page 7.12.) Using 2 pieces of A4 paper, place one under the bottom end of the clamp and hold the other at the top end whilst depressing the clamp handle, check that the clamp firmly grips both pieces of paper.