Hey guys I purchased an hs15 plus used from a member here and I'm trying to get it cutting properly. When I first set it up it wasn't lifting the blade as it moved around I corrected that but now even tho it looks like it's cutting perfectly some parts are cut through just barely other parts aren't and other parts are cut thru and scratching the liner of the vinyl so it seems like it's cutting inconsistently. If I up the preassure it tears right thru the liner in parts. Any tips?
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Hs15 plus adjustments?
- Thread starter CrAkD
- Start date
James Burke
Being a grandpa is more fun than working
There is an adjustment pad that is actuated by the cam bar in the back of the machine. It is located underneath the cutting head, at the back. It can be adjusted so that the lift fork drops down a little lower without regard to down pressure.
Go to Gerber's web site and download the HS manual, it will explain with photos.
JB
Go to Gerber's web site and download the HS manual, it will explain with photos.
JB
Thats how I got it to lift the blade as it moved around. I feel like if I drop it down anymore it'll be dragging the blade again.
James Burke
Being a grandpa is more fun than working
Perhaps the cam bar has lost its timing and is not coming up to top dead center.
Not sure if that type of adjustment is listed in the manual.
JB
Not sure if that type of adjustment is listed in the manual.
JB
It doesn't look THAT bad. It's obv pretty old at this point so it's seen better days.
James Burke
Being a grandpa is more fun than working
Have you removed the knife holder and made sure it is absolutely clean? Also, clean the bore so there's nothing that would cause the knife holder to drag. Do not oil these areas.
JB
JB
Fred Weiss
Merchant Member
The first things that comes to mind are:
1. The lifter bar might have some debris stuck to it such as bits of vinyl from sprocket holes. Make sure these are not present and that the lifter bar is clean. Adjusting the lifter bar is rarely the solution for the issue you are having. Proper adjustment of it should be just above touching the drum surface when lowered to maximum depth.
2. The chrome shafts, tool head, sprockets and sprocket slider are in need of cleaning and lubrication. The Gerber plotters are built like tanks but do need regular cleaning and lubrication to avoid erratic problems like you are reporting.
3. The pin feed sprockets require regular cleaning and removal of adhesive that accumulates at the base of the pins.
4. The condition and type of blade as well as the downforce being applied are very important. The blade should be a 30° blade for most vinyl cutting. Blades are made of carbide and are very brittle. They must be free of any chips which can only be seen under high magnification. When in doubt, try a new blade. The weight or downforce you use should be just enough to cut the film without cutting through the liner. It should just leave a slight mark in the liner.
There are links to a couple of Gerber documents that may help you:
http://www.gspinc.com/downloads/PDF/fastfacts/5262.pdf
http://www.gspinc.com/downloads/PDF/fastfacts/5256.pdf
1. The lifter bar might have some debris stuck to it such as bits of vinyl from sprocket holes. Make sure these are not present and that the lifter bar is clean. Adjusting the lifter bar is rarely the solution for the issue you are having. Proper adjustment of it should be just above touching the drum surface when lowered to maximum depth.
2. The chrome shafts, tool head, sprockets and sprocket slider are in need of cleaning and lubrication. The Gerber plotters are built like tanks but do need regular cleaning and lubrication to avoid erratic problems like you are reporting.
3. The pin feed sprockets require regular cleaning and removal of adhesive that accumulates at the base of the pins.
4. The condition and type of blade as well as the downforce being applied are very important. The blade should be a 30° blade for most vinyl cutting. Blades are made of carbide and are very brittle. They must be free of any chips which can only be seen under high magnification. When in doubt, try a new blade. The weight or downforce you use should be just enough to cut the film without cutting through the liner. It should just leave a slight mark in the liner.
There are links to a couple of Gerber documents that may help you:
http://www.gspinc.com/downloads/PDF/fastfacts/5262.pdf
http://www.gspinc.com/downloads/PDF/fastfacts/5256.pdf
Fred Weiss
Merchant Member
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