Skycut C Series User Manual

1
Skycut Series C with SignCut Pro2
January 3, 2020
Do NOT read this entire manual… unless you want to.
• At the start of Chapters 1 - 4 are short sections with references to find what you need plus some important
reminders. PLEASE read these short sections at the very least and refer back to them, when needed.
• Chapters 1 and 2 are very important in terms of correctly setting up your Skycut to work with SignCut Pro
and learning the ins and outs of cutting.
• Chapter 3 covers contour cutting (aka print and cut) applications.
• Chapter 4 covers the Skycut accessory tools.
• Chapter 5 covers several SignCut Draw functions of interest: vectorizing, editing, and engraving fills
It’s not practical to print this entire manual because:
• It’s a waste of paper and ink if you only ever need certain sections.
• The live links to videos and web sites in the manual will not work.
• This manual will be updated from time to time.
• You cannot search on individual words.
Also:
• Note the green icons which link to videos related to the section in which they are located. These
videos will enhance your learning experience.
________________________________________________________________
© 2019-2020 Sandy McCauley All Rights Reserved

Skycut C Series Specifications

General

Brand	Skycut
Model	C Series
Category	Cutter
Language	English

Summary

Introduction and Setting Up

1.02 Safety and Warnings

Outlines crucial safety guidelines and warnings for operating the Skycut cutter to prevent injury or damage.

1.08 Preparing and Caring for the Cutting Mat

1.10 Control Panel

1.10.1 Set Screen

1.11 Introduction to SignCut Pro 2

Introduces SignCut Pro 2 software, covering installation, licensing, and basic screen layout.

1.11.1 Installing SignCut

Step-by-step guide on how to download and install the SignCut Pro 2 software.

1.12 Connecting the Skycut to Your Computer

Details the various methods for connecting the Skycut cutter to a computer for file transfer and operation.

1.12.1 USB Connection

Instructions for establishing a direct connection between the Skycut and computer using a USB cable.

1.12.2 Wi-Fi Connection

Guide on setting up a wireless connection between the Skycut and a computer via a Wi-Fi network.

1.12.3 Wireless Stand-Alone

Instructions for connecting the Skycut to a computer wirelessly without a network.

1.12.4 USB Flash Drive

Explains how to use a USB flash drive for transferring files to the Skycut cutter.

1.13 Test Draw Shapes

1.13.1 Inserting the Paper and Setting the Origin

1.13.3 Adding a Test Shape to Draw

1.13.4 Drawing the Shape from SignCut Pro

Cutting

2.01 What You Need to Understand About Cutting

2.01.1 You Have to Make Mistakes

2.01.3 Set the Blade Height Above the Material

Details the correct procedure for setting the blade height relative to the material for optimal cutting.

2.01.4 Adjust the Speed, Force, and Number of Passes Based on the Material and Shapes

Guides on adjusting speed, force, and passes based on material type and shape complexity for best results.

2.01.5 Perform Test Cuts!

Emphasizes the importance of performing test cuts to determine optimal settings before full projects.

2.02 Choices Before Cutting

2.02.1 Controlling Which Shapes Will Cut

Explains how to select specific shapes or colors within SignCut Pro to be sent to the cutter.

2.02.2 Controlling Where Shapes Will Cut

Details how to control the placement and positioning of shapes on the material for cutting.

2.02.3 Where to Enter Cut Settings

Identifies the different locations within SignCut Pro to access and modify cut settings.

2.03 Cut Settings

Explains the various cut settings available in SignCut Pro and their impact on the cutting process.

2.03.1 Cutting Force

Details the 'Cutting Force' setting, its range, and its effect on cutting different materials.

2.03.2 Cutting Speed and Up Speed

Explains 'Cutting Speed' and 'Up Speed' settings, crucial for controlling blade movement and cutting accuracy.

2.03.3 Blade Offset

Covers 'Blade Offset', the horizontal distance from blade center to tip, essential for precise corner cutting.

2.03.4 Overcut

2.03.5 Passes

2.04 Presets

2.04.1 Saving a Preset in SignCut Pro

2.04.2 Saving a Preset on the Control Panel

2.05 Setting the Origin before Cutting

Covers the critical step of setting the origin point on the material before starting a cut.

2.05.1 Setting an Origin Using the Camera

Details how to use the Skycut's built-in camera for precise origin setting.

2.06.3 Weeding Line Tools

2.06.4 Tiling Options

2.07 Important Checklist Before You Cut!

A comprehensive checklist to ensure all necessary steps are completed before starting a cut job.

2.08 Scale Calibration

Guides on calibrating the Skycut to ensure shapes are cut to precise dimensions and scale.

2.08.1 Skycut Resolution Using Millimeters for Measurement

Procedure for calibrating Skycut resolution using millimeter measurements for accurate scaling.

2.08.2 Skycut Resolution Using Inches for Measurement

Procedure for calibrating Skycut resolution using inch measurements for accurate scaling.

2.08.3 Scale Calibration Storage on the Control Panel

2.09 Test Cutting Flow Chart for the Skycut

A flowchart to help diagnose and resolve common test cutting issues encountered with the Skycut.

Contour Cutting

3.02 What is a Camera Calibration?

3.03 Camera Calibration Procedure

Step-by-step guide for calibrating the Skycut's camera for accurate print and cut operations.

3.03.1 What You Need for Calibrating

Lists the necessary items required for performing the camera calibration process.

3.03.2 Calibration Process

Details the procedure for calibrating the camera by drawing and photographing a test shape.

3.04 Performing a PNC in SignCut Pro

3.04.1 Summary of Steps

3.04.2 Preparing the Registration Marks

3.04.3 Contour Cutting Project – Accuracy Test

3.05 Inaccurate Cuts

Discusses common reasons for inaccurate print and cut results and presents solutions.

3.05.1 Adjusting the Calibration Values

Explains how to adjust camera calibration values to correct minor inaccuracies in contour cuts.

3.05.2 Inaccurate Tracings

Addresses issues related to inaccurate tracings from bitmap images and offers solutions.

3.05.3 Incorrect Cut Settings

Covers potential causes of inaccurate cuts related to incorrect settings like speed or mat adhesion.

3.06 Contour Cutting Multiple Images and Adding Intermediate Registration Marks

3.06.1 Setting Up Multiple Raster Images in Another Program

3.06.2 Using Intermediate Registration Marks

3.06.3 Automatically Adding Intermediate Registration Marks in SignCut Draw

3.07 PNC from USB Flash Drive

3.07.1 PNC from Flash Drive – Single Cut

3.07.2 PNC from Flash Drive – Using Array Mark for Repeats

3.07.3 Mark Set Options

Accessory Tools

4.01 Drawing with the Test Pen

4.01.1 Draw and Cut

4.02 Embossing and Scoring

4.02.1 General Info on Embossing

4.02.2 Score and Cut Project

4.02.3 Embossing Paper or Cardstock

4.03 Scratch Engraving

4.03.1 Engraving a Metal Tag

SignCut Draw Functions of Interest

5.01 Adding a Contour Cut Line to a Raster Image

5.01.1 Importing an Image to Trace

5.01.2 Step-by-Step Tracing Process

5.02 Editing a Trace

5.02.1 Node Editing a Contour Cut

5.02.2 Deleting Paths Within a Contour Cut Trace

5.03 Engraving Fills

5.03.1 Hatch Fill

5.03.2 Contour Fill

5.03.3 Inside Fills Versus Outside Fills

5.03.4 Line Raster from Bitmap

Appendix A Troubleshooting FAQ’s

A1 Communication Issues

Addresses common problems related to powering on, powering off, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity.

A2 Operating Issues

Covers issues related to the control panel responsiveness and mat/vinyl feeding problems.

A3 Cutting/Drawing Issues

Troubleshoots problems where shapes are not cutting correctly or are drawn off the material.