The device described in this manual is the Valiani Astra Manual Mat (Mountboard) Cutter, a machine designed for cutting various types of matboard. It is an entirely manual and easy-to-use device.
Function Description
The Astra mat cutter is specifically designed to cut matboard with varying thicknesses, ranging from 1.25 mm to 3 mm. The machine operates by working the matboard face down. It is equipped with a cutting head that can perform both 45° bevel cuts and 90° straight cuts. The cutting head slides on four ball bearings, which glide on two sturdy, non-warping tempered steel tracks. These tracks are continuously cleaned by two small brushes located beneath the cutting head. The machine is supplied with measuring stops and an easy-to-use blade holder to assist in setting up cuts.
Important Technical Specifications
Models:
The Astra mat cutter is available in two main models: Astra 120 and Astra 150, with differing work surface dimensions and weights.
Work Surface in Aluminum:
- Astra 120: 1200x800 mm / 47.25"x31.50"
- Astra 150: 1500x1000 mm / 59.00"x39.37"
Dimensions (X.Y.H.):
- Astra 120: 1500x500x120 mm / 59.05"x19.68"x4.72"
- Astra 150: 1800x500x120 mm / 70.86"x19.68"x4.72"
Weight:
- Astra 120: Approx. 26 Kg / 57.2 lbs
- Astra 150: Approx. 30 Kg / 66 lbs
Cutter:
- Cutting head with 45° and 90° capabilities.
Packaging (for transportation):
The machine is packaged in a corrugated cardboard box, secured with plastic bands on a wooden pallet of the same dimensions. The box contains the assembled machine structure, an extension arm, and a spare blade kit. The package weight for transportation is:
- Astra 120: 35 kg / 77 lbs
- Astra 150: 40 kg / 88 lbs
Usage Features
Installation:
The machine should be placed on a stable, smooth surface, ensuring the guides are kept clean and well-lubricated. The extension arm is attached to the work surface by fitting it into appropriate slots and fastening it with a knob. The extension is then secured to the work base by placing a stopping rod in a designated slot halfway down the aluminum base. The extension can be removed for space-saving reasons.
Basic Cutting Procedure:
- Slipmat Placement: A slipmat (1.25 mm to 3 mm thick) must be placed to protect the machine and ensure a clean cut.
- Matboard Positioning: Position the matboard and establish the desired border measurement using stops 1, 2, and 3.
- Alignment: Place the matboard against stops 2 and 2a. It is crucial for the matboard to be aligned along its length on stop 2 to ensure perfectly cut corners.
- Movable Stop Connection: Connect stop 3 to the movable stop (Cs) using its magnet.
- Carriage Movement: Slide the carriage until the mat blocking stop (Co) touches the beginning of the matboard.
- Blade Support Rotation: Rotate the blade support (Sp) until the end of its run, then pull the carriage (Ca) until stop 1.
- Repeat for Other Cuts: Rotate the matboard by 90° and repeat the procedure for subsequent cuts, ensuring the magnets on the movable stop (Cs) connect to stop 3, which determines the starting point of the cut.
Setting Blade Depth:
- Lift the cutter bar (Ac) using the lever (Le) and place the matboard to be cut up to the border (Ac1). Lower the cutter bar.
- Loosen the knob (Po).
- Rotate the knob (Po1) (located above the blade holder Pl) clockwise to decrease depth or counterclockwise to increase it.
- Tighten the bolt (Po) to block the blade (L) for a straight cut.
- Rotate the blade support (Pl) by 45° until the end of its run, so that the blade tip cuts approximately 1 mm into the slipmat underneath the matboard. This applies to both 45° and 90° heads.
- N.B.: Incorrect blade depth setting can lead to cutting errors.
Bevel Cutting (45°):
- Make a normal cut, setting the desired measurements.
- After the cut, move the squaring arm (stop 2) to its end (towards zero), placing the knob and stop 2a internally.
- Take the internal part of the matboard, turn it with the good side facing up, and align it against the squaring arm (stop 2), very close to Ac.
- Make the cut; this will create a light 45° bevel on the internal matboard.
- Secure the two matboards with adhesive tape to achieve the desired effect.
Changing Blades:
- ATTENTION! Exercise extreme caution when changing blades to avoid cuts.
- Loosen the knob (Po).
- Remove the blade support (Pl).
- Change the blade (L), which is held in place by a magnet (Ma).
- After changing the blade, reinsert the blade support (Pl) and tighten the knob (Po).
Troubleshooting Common Cutting Errors:
- Blade overcuts the ending point: Move stop 1 upwards (e.g., if overcut is 2mm and stop 1 was at 5cm, move to 5.2cm). Make another cut with stop 2 at 5cm, stop 1 at 5.2cm, and stop 3 at 5cm. If perfect, move ruler As1 until stop 1 reads 5cm.
- Blade overcuts the starting point: Move stop 3 towards the top (e.g., if overcut is 2mm and stop 3 was at 5cm, move to 5.2cm). Make another cut with stop 2 at 5cm and stop 3 at 5.2cm. If perfect, move measuring arm As2 until stop 3 reads 5cm.
- Blade undercuts the corners: Determine if the error is caused by stop 1, stop 3, or both. Follow instructions for overcutting errors (page 14 and 15) to adjust the stops.
- N.B.: Millimetric rulers are spring-blocked; slight pressure allows movement for corrections. Do not unscrew nut K for these adjustments.
Maintenance Features
Periodic Maintenance:
- Cleaning: Clean the work surface by removing scraps at least twice a week.
- Lubrication: Lubricate sliding parts, especially the cutter bar, with silicone spray once every six months.
- ATTENTION! When cleaning the cutting head, do not get too close to the blades as they can cause hand injuries.
Repairs and Part Replacement:
- For out-of-the-ordinary maintenance, piece substitutions, or machine modifications, contact the manufacturer (VALIANI s.r.l, Via delle Regioni, 305,307,309 – 50052 Certaldo (FI)).
- Only use spare parts explicitly authorized by the manufacturer.
- The manual includes tables with a list of components. Each part is identified by a number and a technical code.
- For maintenance, a repair key and a set of spare blades are provided.
- Customers can request spare parts by filling out a request form and sending it to the manufacturer.
Safety:
- The machine is equipped with protection devices to improve safety. Their removal, tampering, or disassembly is strictly forbidden.
- The machine has a residual risk due to the blades on the cutting head, requiring extreme caution, especially during cleaning.
- Users must check the machine daily for errors or variations that could endanger safety.
- The machine is to be used only by trained personnel who have carefully read the instructions.
- The manufacturer declines all responsibilities for damages caused by arbitrary modifications to safety devices or any part of the machine structure.
- The warranty is valid for one year from purchase, provided the "Warranty coupon" is filled out and sent within 10 days of machine setup. The warranty covers free replacement or repair of defective parts returned to the manufacturer. It does not cover direct or indirect damage, incorrect installation, negligent, or improper use. Labor for part removal and reinstallation is not included.
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