Hello! Today we’re going to do a little blade troubleshooting. Sometimes you might notice that the cut quality of your blade isn’t as precise as it used to be, even though you’ve used the same cut settings many times before with no issues.
When this happens, it’s probably time to clean your blade.
Maintaining And Cleaning Your Blade
If you’re having cut problems, the first thing to check is your blade. You want to make sure nothing is trapped inside the blade housing that would impede the blade’s cutting edge or the blade’s movement.
See how the hole for this blade is clogged with debris?
Let’s clean it out. Did you know the top of the blade housing is removable?
Removing The Top Of Your Blade
1. Turn the ratchet blade down to zero.
2. Carefully unscrew the top of the white section of the blade housing.
See all that paper dust and debris in there? You may be surprised what you find. It could be tiny pieces of vinyl or other material you’ve cut that gets caught in there to hamper blade function.
Inspecting Your Blade For Debris Or Damage
1. Blow on your blade, tap the side of it, or use a small paintbrush to clean out the cap and blade.
Just make sure you don’t use your fingers; it’s sharp!
2. Visually check the tip of the blade to see if it looks blunt from damage.
If it’s chipped or blunt, it’s time to use a new blade.
3. Once the blade is clean again, carefully replace the white cap.
Be sure to tighten it all the way so it doesn’t come loose while cutting.
Using Your Blade In Your Silhouette
The other thing to pay attention to is the proper way to install the blade once you’ve set it to the correct depth for your material.
1. Place the blade in the machine carriage with the fin of the blade in the 6 o’clock position, facing the front.
2. Make sure the blade is seated correctly by pushing it down all the way in the blade holder.
3. Be sure to lock the blade in completely by twisting the knob clockwise. You’ll hear a click when it’s in place.
We hope this helps with any blade trouble you may be experiencing. You may also want to see my previous post on Test Cuts, or check out Silhouette’s troubleshooting and FAQ.
What other questions do you have about the Silhouette blades?
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Kelly Wayment
June 28, 2024
You can use it with vinyl as long as it is smooth and flat to allow the static charge to hold on to it. Rolled vinyl that wants to go back to its rolled shape will not necessarily work well, and it would need to be trimmed to fit the ES mat cutting area.
Kelly Wayment
June 28, 2024
Yes, you can use the heat pen while using the ES mat. 🙂
Yurii
March 2, 2024
Hello. May it be used with heat pen?
Thanks
Jerome
February 24, 2024
Hi, works this with the normal vinyl foils or only with printer papter etc?
Kelly Wayment
February 16, 2024
Once you’ve pushed the mat up against the rollers, just press the “Load” arrow button (bottom right on the display). Does a regular sticky mat load into the machine for you?
Michelle a goodall
January 24, 2024
Hello! I just got my new electrostatic mat and have watched every video i can find on it. However, what i can t find is why it wont feed into my cameo 5/ it slides right up the rollers but wont go any further. and yes- iam pushing the into button. help!