Summary of Contents for KEENCUT Evolution3 SmartFold
Page 1
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) Scan the QR code or +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.com (US sales) click here to view this document online > Page 1 of 48...
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 1. Introduction 1.1 The Evolution3 SmartFold user guide This User Guide for the Evolution3 SmartFold gives advice on cutting techniques, using the different cutting heads and care and maintenance of your machine. Before using your machine make sure that you have installed and calibrated it correctly.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2. Get to know your cutter 2.1 Material stop A material stop is mounted at both ends end of your SmartFold (seen highlighted in this image). When cutting tough or thick materials at prevents it sliding when being cut.
Page 5
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide The material stop can be rotated to move it out of the way. Particularly useful when an clear work surface is required for other purposes. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ)
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2.2 Lift-and-Hover The patented ‘Lift-and-Hover’ is a unique Keencut development that combines three features to give the ultimate in accuracy and productivity. The BenchTop can hold the whole length of the cutter bar a very short distance above the object being trimmed and hold it there even if the levers are released.
Page 7
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Feature 3 – Sightline strip – These are easily replaceable and are available from your supplier. See how to replace the sightline strip > The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ)
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2.3 Fabric cutting strip The SmartFold includes an integral polymer cutting strip for use with the Evolution3 Fabric tool head to cut textiles and fragile materials. A simple push button at each end of the bar allows the cutter to be set on any of four cut lines, extending the life of the strip.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2.4 Swapping tool heads Pull and remove end stop. Slide the cutting head to the right. Lift up the head to remove it. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ)
Page 10
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Insert the cutting head of your choice, and slide it to the left. More than one tool can be mounted on the cutter bar if required. Always replace the end stop. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com...
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2.5 Foldaway action IMPORTANT: It is essential to remove cutter head before folding Pull and remove end stop. Slide the cutting head to the right. Gently lift to remove the cutter head, then replace end stop.
Page 12
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Grip the cutter bar firmly, lift carefully and swing over the edge of the bench, bring gently to a stop when vertical. Be careful when lifting The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ)
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 3. Make your first cut 3.1 Align and clamp the material Pull the lever to raise the cutter bar, place the material for cutting approximately in position under the cutter bar. Push the lever to lower the cutter bar so it is only 1-2mm (1⁄16”) above the surface of the material, the closer to the material it is the less lining up error you will get when viewing the cut marks.
Page 14
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide When fully aligned use the lever to lower the cutter bar onto the material and clamp it in position ready for cutting. Further cutting information is given in the sections under relevant tool heads. See Double Graphik cutting techniques >...
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 3.2 Introduction to the Double Graphik tool head QuikSwap Graphik tool head for Evolution3 cutters, with two individual blade holders for two way cutting. Graphik blades are stronger and more stable than regular blades. Ideal for vinyl, banner, cardboard, PVC foamboard up to 13mm (½″), foam-...
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 3.3 Insert Graphik blades into the Double Graphik tool head Undo the highlighted knob to remove the magnetic blade clamping plate. Pull the magnetic blade clamping plate away from the cutting head. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com...
Page 17
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Insert a Graphik blade, check it is facing the correct way for your desired direction of cutting. Place the small pin in the hole at the top of the blade and align with the edge of the clamping plate.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 3.4 Double Graphik tool head cutting technique The cutting head can be pulled or pushed to cut the material. Load and align the material to be cut as described in the ‘clamping material’ section (see how to align and clamp the material >), press down the chosen blade holder whilst...
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 4. Using the Double Graphik tool head 4.1 Change the Graphik blades Undo the highlighted knob to remove the magnetic blade clamping plate. Pull the magnetic blade clamping plate away from the cutting head. Lift off the blunt blade (if there is one) and replace with a new Graphik blade, check it is facing the correct way for your desired direction of cutting.
Page 20
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Replace the blade clamping plate onto the blade holder but do not tighten fully until the blade depth has been set. Repeat on the other blade holder if required. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ)
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 4.2 Adjust the blade depth and direction To adjust the height of the blade, loosen knob ‘A’ by a half to one full turn. Move knob ‘B’ up or down until the blade is long enough to just cut through the material.
Page 22
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide The blades also have adjustable cutting depth, so if a thick material is being cut on a long machine such that it is beneficial to make two cuts, one blade can be set to cut half the thickness in one direction and the other to cut full depth on the return journey.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 4.3 Advanced cutting techniques NOTE: The following is for a right-handed person. For left-handed use cut at the left-hand end of the cutter and reverse the direction of cut and hand positions. When cutting thick, tough materials such as PVC foam board and...
Page 24
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Take a firm grip on the cutter bar with your left hand. Depress the blade holder and push the cutting head using the strength across your shoulders. Tip: If the material is too thick to reasonably cut in one stroke the blade can be lowered partially and the board cut in a number of strokes.
Page 25
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Check that the material is not being pushed into the cutting groove as the blade is cutting. If so, the material is likely to be suited to being cut with the rotary blade of the Fabric tool head where the underside of the material is supported on a plastic cutting strip.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5. Using the Fabric tool head 5.1 Change the Fabric tool head blade Loosen the clamping knob. Remove the blade cover. Remove the safety cover. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ)
Page 27
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Remove the blade and magnetic blade boss. There may be a number of clear plastic shims on the threaded shaft, ensure they are clean and in good condition. Separate the boss from the blade and inspect the boss for wear and clean off any debris.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5.2 Engage the plastic cutting strip Before using the Fabric tool head, you must engage the plastic cutting strip to ensure a clean cut. Raise the cutter bar. Press and hold down the highlighted button on the right side of the unit.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5.3 Adjust the Fabric tool head blade pressure Turn the highlighted screw to adjust the blade pressure (clockwise to reduce). When adjusting you will see the pressure indicator go up and down. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com...
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5.4 Use the Fabric tool head blade guard Rotate the red blade guard, using tab (B), to reveal or hide the blade. If it is difficult to rotate loosen the clamping knob (A) a little. Ensure it is adjusted correctly before cutting so the blade is just able to rotate without sideways movement.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5.5 Fabric tool head cutting technique Take a small piece of the material to be cut, clamp it under the cutter bar. The Fabric tool head cuts in both directions and requires the blade holder to be pressed down fully whilst the rotary blade is cutting the material.
Page 32
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Cut in one smooth continuous motion, adjust to increase or decrease the cutting pressure if necessary. When the small piece of material has been cut successfully place the main piece of fabric in the cutter, align and cut in the same way.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 6. Using the Creaser tool head 6.1 Different creasing wheels The three creasing wheels supplied with the Creaser tool head will each produce a different style of crease. Experiment on small samples of your material to see which gives best results.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 6.2 Change the creasing wheels Remove the lower clamping knob. Remove the creasing wheel leaving the bearing and clear plastic shim in place. Remove the upper clamping knob. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ)
Page 35
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Choose the creasing wheel you would like to use and exchange it with the lower wheel. Replace both clamping knobs. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) Scan the QR code or +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.com (US sales)
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 6.3 Creasing technique Align your material in the machine, apply downward pressure to the wheel holder and move the cutting head along to create the crease line. Adjust the hand pressure and number of strokes accordingly, you can crease in either direction.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 7. Using the Rocker tool head 7.1 The Rocker tool head The Rocker tool head has been especially designed to give perfect comfort for all day, every day, cutting. The tool head fits the curve of your hand, allowing you to cut denser materials with ease.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 7.2 Fit or change the Rocker tool head blade To change the blade, loosen the blade clamping knob. Remove the magnetic cartridge from the Rocker head. Place the blade between the two guides, the magnet will hold it in place, and slide it back to touch the blade depth screw.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 7.3 Rocker tool head cutting technique Aluminium Composite Panels can be cut using the Rocker tool head. The following method is only intended for occasional use, for cutting on a regular basis the SteelTrak should be considered.
Page 40
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Push the Rocker tool head slowly through the material. Extra effort can be applied by holding the grip area on the top of the cutter bar with your other hand and using the strength across your shoulders to push. Thicker materials can be cut in several passes.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 7.4 Cut ACP with the Rocker tool head Aluminium Composite Panels can be cut using the Rocker tool head. The following method is only intended for occasional use, for cutting on a regular basis the SteelTrak should be considered.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 8. Care and maintenance 8.1 Clean your machine Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and smaller debris. Frequency: daily as required Moisten a cloth with diluted detergent to wipe down the cutter bar and base plate, dry with a cloth.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 8.2 Maintain the bearing track Put a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the scouring surface of a dish washing sponge and rub it up and down the two tracks. Wipe clean any surplus with a dry cloth.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 8.3 Change the plastic cutting strip When using the Fabric tool head with the purple plastic cutting strip, it will become scored and require replacing. Adjustment of the cutting pressure to keep it to a minimum for the fabric being cut will help to extend the life of the strip.
Page 45
Once the strip has been fully used on both sides a new strip will be required, these are available from your dealer. Keencut part code EVOTCS Tip: Order replacement strips (or check stock) whenever turning a strip over.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 8.4 Change the sightline strip IMPORTANT: Ensure that you have a replacement sightline strip before proceeding When using your SmartFold, the sightline strip may become scored or damaged. To change the sightline strip, first grip the cutter bar firmly, lift carefully and swing over the edge of the bench, bring gently to a stop when vertical.
Page 47
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Remove the damaged sightline strip. Your new sightline strip will have a protective backing on the double sided tape found on the underside of the part. Remove this backing. Apply the sightline strip in stages from left to right, ensuring that no wrinkles or bubbles form under the tape.
Page 48
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Once you fold over your SmartFold, you will notice the sightline strip is larger than it needs to be. Use the Double Graphik tool head to gently cut the sightline strip. Tip: it is recommended to do this in 3 passes to ensure that the line cut by the blade is as straight as possible.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Evolution3 SmartFold and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers