How to Cut/Trim material accurately, and quickly. Newbie looking for tips/help.

[ewf]

I have a 4ft x 8ft cutting table with a rhino self-healing top. I sell (2mil to 8mil) materials that are 3ft wide, and a customer can order for example 5 feet of film.

I would like to offer to my customers that I can trim the product to size. So if someone orders a piece 36" x 5 feet I can trim it down to 29" x 49.5" accurately. The customer will be well aware that they may need to make some final cuts, but I am offering to trim it to size.

My problem is...how can I make these cut accurately? and quickly.
A Plotter is not an option, because each material is different...the time to setup the plotter for each order makes this option impossible.

I've looked in a Double Wheel Print Trimmer, Rotary Multi Cutter, Track Trimmer, Rotatrim Professional, and Econocut. All from SpeedPress.

Does anyone have tips? I'm just starting my business so looking for guidance.

Thank you in advanced for any info you can help me with!

 

[thesignexpert]

Sounds like a tape measure, non-slip safety ruler and an x-acto knife are what you need.

 

[Gino]

What he said.

 

[shoresigns]

Sounds like a tape measure, non-slip safety ruler and an x-acto knife are what you need.

Why an x-acto knife? A box cutter is much more ergonomic for quick cuts on a ruler.

 

[thesignexpert]

Why an x-acto knife? A box cutter is much more ergonomic for quick cuts on a ruler.

I've always found the #11 x-acto to be much faster and accurate. Just personal preference from years of hand cutting ruby-lith and spraylat masks.

 

[PRS Bryan]

Why an x-acto knife? A box cutter is much more ergonomic for quick cuts on a ruler.

I am with you, I like utility knives. The vast majority of cuts I make are straight lines so the x-acto knifes ability to make tight turns isn't that important to me. Also x-acto knive blades will bend under my heavy hand causing wavy cuts. The biggest reason I use them is that you can buy folding utility knives that clip to my pocket so I always know where it is. I have a horrible habit of setting x-acto knives down and forgetting where I put them.

 

[HIGHSPEEDGRAPHIX]

you need a Film Handler

https://filmhandler.com/index.cfm?f...Details&Cat_Code=FHP&Catalog_Num=ST0851-60SER

60 and 72" widths.

this should be a great option to measuring each one and using a straight edge. You can slit to the desired width and the handler mounts to a 6' ladder and has a steel rule you can pull the film down to your desired length.

 

[eahicks]

Knife, ruler/tape measure. All you need. I can't imagine you are cutting sheets of material that much for customers....we aren't in the business of reselling cut vinyl, so don't get the idea of needing to cut sheets all the time.

 

[DizzyMarkus]

If I doing a bunch or repeated work, a template would be my deal

Markus

 

[GAC05]

To add to what the others have said:

When you are holding the ruler down and cutting thick material let the blade slide across your knuckles.
You will be surprised how much more carful and accurate your cuts become after doing this just once......

wayne k
guam usa