Cut Quality - Challenge CHAMPION 370 TC Instructions And Parts Manual

8.0 Maintenance Guide
11. Insert the rest of the knife bolts and washers, snug tighten them, but don't tighten completely.
Be sure all bolts have washers. The correct washers are important for proper bolt
clearances!
12. Replace the knife lifters with bolts and snug tighten.
13. Place a few sheets of paper across the table to cover the cutting stick.
NOTE: Before the knife bar is run down make sure the following is checked:
a. The (3) knife adjusting screws have been backed off completely.
b. The knife blade is raised as high as it can go in the knife bar over the entire length of
the blade.
c. The paper deflector is locked down.
14. Unlock and turn the power on.
15. Lower the knife bar.
16. DISCONNECT THE POWER AND LOCK IT OUT! (See Power Lockout procedure, page 5.)
17. Turn the knife adjusting screws down, a little at a time, until the blade cuts through the paper
evenly, over the entire length of the cut stick. Be sure the blade is parallel to the cutting stick,
or one end may cut deeper than the other, causing uneven wear on the cut stick.
NOTE: When the knife is adjusted so it just cuts through the last piece of paper on the table evenly
over the entire length of the cut stick, it is a good idea to turn each knife adjusting screw 1/4 turn
tighter (clockwise). This can eliminate the need to readjust the knife after the very sharpest edge of
the blade has worn off.
18. Tighten all the bolts.
19. Turn power on and send the knife to the "UP" position.
20. Make a test cut through a full lift of stock. Make minor adjustments by loosening the bolts
and repeating steps 15 through 20.
NOTE: If the knife ends cut but the middle does not, you could have dips or uneven spots in either
the knife or the cutting stick. These can be eliminated to some extent by laying 1/2" (13mm) wide
strips of paper beneath the cutting stick to shim it up.

8.1.3 Cut Quality

Assuming the proper bevel angle has been chosen for the material being cut, cut quality depends
upon blade sharpness and surface finish. Three cut characteristics can indicate a blade needs
sharpening:
1. Burnishing appears on cut face of lift.
2. The cut does not appear straight when viewed from the top.
3. The profile of the cut (side view) does not appear to be perpendicular to the table.
Other signs that a knife needs sharpening are:

The machine seems to strain while cutting. This strain can be heard in the hydraulic motor.
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