How to change the blades on your Keencut Steeltrak
- QuickByDesign
The Keencut Steeltrak cutter is an indispensable tool in your creative business arsenal. Whether you’re crafting bespoke signs, framing beautiful art or producing high-quality prints, the sharpness of your cutter’s blade is fundamental to achieving flawless results.
In the world of precision cutting, the Keencut Steeltrak stands out for its accuracy and reliability. Key to this performance are two types of blades: the standard medium-duty cutting blade and the scoring blade for acrylic. Each serves a unique purpose – the medium-duty blade is your go-to for general cutting tasks. In contrast, the scoring blade is specially designed for making precise incisions in acrylic materials.
Maintaining these blades and ensuring they’re sharp and in good condition isn’t just about quality. It’s also about safety and efficiency. A dull blade can lead to inaccurate cuts, material waste and even pose safety risks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the straightforward process of changing these blades, ensuring your Keencut Steeltrak continues to be an asset to your business, delivering precise cuts every time.
Understanding your Keencut Steeltrak
The Keencut Steeltrak is not just a tool; it’s a cornerstone for precision in creative industries. Renowned for its robustness and accuracy, it’s a popular choice among signmakers, picture framers and printers alike.
The Steeltrak is specifically designed to handle a range of materials, from lightweight papers to tougher substances like aluminium composites. Its versatility makes it ideal for various applications – whether you’re creating intricate designs for signage, framing artworks with precision or cutting materials for high-quality prints.
The standard medium-duty cutting blade is your workhorse, suitable for a wide range of general cutting tasks. The scoring blade for acrylic is tailor-made for delicate, precise cuts, especially in acrylic materials, ensuring a clean, polished finish.
Tools and preparations for blade change
Changing the blades on your Keencut Steeltrak is a straightforward process, but having the right tools and following safety precautions is crucial.
To change the blades, you’ll need a simple screwdriver to unscrew the blade holder. Have a safe disposal container handy for the old blades, as they can be sharp and hazardous.
Safety precautions to take before starting the blade-changing process Before you start, ensure your Steeltrak is on a stable, flat surface to prevent any accidental movements. Always wear protective gloves to safeguard your hands from sharp edges. Clear your workspace of any unnecessary items to avoid clutter and potential accidents.
Remember, taking these precautions not only ensures your safety but also helps maintain the integrity and performance of your Keencut Steeltrak. In the following sections, we’ll show you how to change your Steeltrak’s blades, ensuring it remains a valuable asset in your business’s toolkit.
Changing the scoring blade for acrylic
Changing the scoring blade in your Keencut Steeltrak is an essential skill to master, especially when working with acrylic materials. Here’s how you can do it safely and efficiently.
First, locate the blade compartment. The scoring blade is housed within the head of the Steeltrak. Find the access panel which covers this compartment. Use a screwdriver to carefully unscrew and remove the cover. This will expose the scoring blade compartment.
Inside the compartment, you’ll find a screw securing the blade in place. Loosen this screw to release the blade. Once you’ve loosened the screw, gently push the blade ejector. This will release the old blade, allowing you to remove and discard it safely.
Take your new scoring blade and insert it into the slot. Insert the blade backwards, so when turned, the back of the blade will score down the acrylic. Ensure the blade is oriented correctly for scoring acrylic. It should sit to the right of the internal plaque.
Once inserted, push the blade down and turn it upwards until it’s housed securely. Tighten the screw to lock it in place. Finally, replace the cover of the blade compartment and screw it back in place, ensuring the scoring blade is secured and ready for use.
Replacing the medium-duty blade
Replacing the medium-duty blade on your Keencut Steeltrak ensures continuous, efficient, precise cutting. First, rotate the turret of the Steeltrak so that the medium-duty blade becomes accessible. It should be where you can easily reach the blade holder.
Locate the holder securing the medium-duty blade. Use a screwdriver to unscrew it. Press the blade ejector mechanism. This will disengage the old blade, allowing you to remove it from the cutter safely.
Take your new medium-duty blade and insert it between the two plaques inside the holder. The blade should face the correct direction for forward cutting.
Slide the blade in and hold it gently at the bottom. Rotate the head so the plaques drop down, securing the blade in place. Ensure the blade is aligned correctly and sits securely between the plaques for effective cutting.
Once the blade is positioned correctly, tighten the holder’s screw to secure the blade. Reassemble the cutter head. Ensure everything is tightened and aligned before reassembling the cutter head.
By following these steps, you ensure your Keencut Steeltrak is always equipped with sharp, well-maintained blades, crucial for delivering high-quality cuts in your business’s daily operations.
Final steps and safety checks
After replacing the blades on your Keencut Steeltrak, a few final steps and safety checks are crucial to ensure everything is set up correctly for safe operation.
Once the new blades are in place, reattach the cover of the cutting head. Make sure it’s securely screwed in to prevent any movement during operation.
Ensure the cover fits snugly and there are no gaps or loose parts. Carefully engage the new blades to check their movement and alignment.
Perform a quick safety check. Ensure the blades move smoothly and there are no obstructions in their path. Consider doing a test cut on a scrap piece of material to verify that the blades are cutting correctly.
Always use a dedicated disposal container for old blades. This prevents accidental injury. Even when disposing of them, handle old blades with care. They can still be sharp and dangerous. Check if there are recycling options available for old blades in your area.
How can Creative Office Solutions help?
Regularly changing the blades on your Keencut Steeltrak is essential for maintaining its performance and the quality of your work. Dull or damaged blades can lead to subpar results and even pose safety risks. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your Steeltrak is always equipped with sharp, efficient blades, ready for any task.
Make blade checks a part of your routine maintenance. It’s a small effort that pays off in maintaining the high standards of your work. Regular blade changes keep your cuts precise and clean, enhancing the overall quality. Sharp blades reduce the effort to cut materials, improving efficiency and safety.
Remember, your Keencut Steeltrak is an investment in your business. Keeping its blades in top condition ensures it remains a valuable tool for years to come.
Changing blades might seem like a small part of the process, but it’s critical. By taking the time to maintain your cutter, you’re investing in the quality and success of your business. Stay sharp, and let your work continue to stand out in the competitive creative industry.
