To use a different software program to cut to the Skycut, press inside the appropriate circle. The Baud
Rate indicator will automatically change if needed.
Fast Speed changes the algorithm used for cutting long paths and can shorten the cut time for larger
projects. However, accuracy is also compromised and this setting would certainly not be advisable for
print and cut applications or when precise measurements are needed.
1.15 Maintenance
Skycut machines do not require any kind of lubrication or routine checks. However, here are a few things to
keep in mind for successful operation of your cutter:
• Keep the pinch wheels clean. Depending on the adhesive being used on the cutting mat, it’s possible for the
pinch wheels to become sticky and pick up small pieces of cardstock or other material being cut. This can
lead, in some cases, to the mat skewing or ruining materials during subsequent cuts. To clean the pinch
wheels, use a lint-free cloth and an adhesive remover such as isopropyl alcohol or Un-Du to clean the pinch
wheels thoroughly.
• Keep the grit shafts clean. Equally important as the pinch wheels, the grift shafts beneath the cutting mat
should also be free of adhesive and tiny bits of material. They can be cleaned the same way as the pinch
wheels. Note: Do not pour cleaner onto a grit shaft. Instead, dab some adhesive remover onto a lint-free
cloth and then use the damp cloth to clean the shafts. You can also use tweezers to remove any material or
adhesive that is stuck to a shaft.
• Keep the cutting mat clean and sticky. As mentioned in the Section 1.08.2, the cutting mat can be washed
with soap and water to remove small invisible pieces of material which are reducing the tackiness of the
cutting mat. After drying, you can add more repositionable adhesive, if needed.
• Check your blade holder, as needed. If suddenly you cannot get a clean cut, check the blade holder for any
tiny slivers of material that may have been caught up by the blade and fed up inside the blade holder.
• If you cut vinyl or other backed materials regularly, you may need to replace the cutting strip at some point.
You will be able to tell based on seeing deep cuts in the strip and an inconsistency in the cutting. Contact
your dealer for information on obtaining a replacement.
1.16 Other Useful Tools and Supplies
• The following list has items you may or may not need while enjoying your Skycut. These are suggestions
based on twelve years of collecting information from other cutter owners:
Brayer or Rolling Pin: (1) to apply lint from a towel onto an overly sticky mat (2) to press materials
evenly onto a mat for cutting
Post-It Notes: (1) for setting blade/tool tip height above a material (2) for draw and cut applications
Old Fluffy Bath Towel: (1) to dry a washed mat (2) to apply an invisible layer of lint onto an overly-
sticky mat
Dishwashing Soap: (1) to remove visible and invisible fibers from the mat, thus renewing the adhesive
(2) to clean the mat well before adding more adhesive
Soft Brush: (1) to gently remove waste scraps during the washing of a mat. Refer to Section 1.08.2.
Artist Palette Knife: (1) to gently remove cut shapes from a mat (2) to scrape off small waste pieces
from a mat
Blue Painter’s Tape: (1) to tape around the edges of thicker materials that might slip during cutting
Repositionable Adhesives: (1) to add more adhesive to a cutting mat (most any brand or type can be
used, provided it is repositionable). Refer to Section 1.08.2 for suggestions and instructions.
Adhesive Removers: (1) to completely strip a cutting mat of adhesive (2) to disarm adhesive long
enough to remove large scraps of material that will not peel off
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