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?
cindy
September 19, 2016
some silhouette blades have no fin–
how do you correctly place those blades?
Kelly Wayment
September 27, 2016
If it doesn’t have a fin (like the premium blade or the deep cut blade), I don’t believe the orientation makes much difference.
Gilda
September 20, 2016
Thanks for this post, Kelly. I didn’t know you could take apart the newer blades. Is there any way to clean the older blades that don’t unscrew at the blade end?
Kelly Wayment
September 27, 2016
The one time I tried to open an older blade, I broke it, so I don’t recommend trying to force it open. I suggest extending the blade all the way out and using a soft brush to brush it off, or retract the blade all the way and tap it to try and get debris to fall out. Isn’t it nice that they made the newer style? 🙂
Karen
September 20, 2016
Thank you! My blade is not cutting properly, I will try this. Boy, did I need this troubleshooter!!
Kelly Wayment
September 27, 2016
Glad I could help, Karen. Good luck!
Nina
September 20, 2016
How can you clean the Silhouette Premium blade. Thanks!
Kelly Wayment
September 27, 2016
That’s a good question. Because the premium blade and deep-cut blades don’t appear to have a twist-off cap, I would just tap them or use a soft brush to do what you can. I suggest asking Silhouette Support this question.
Rebecca F
September 20, 2016
Every time I clean out a blade it ends up being useless. I do exactly what u said and when I’m done 0 isn’t 0 anymore. I’ve tried “resetting” as suggested but turning it from 00 to 10 and back a few times and never get anywhere. It never cuts right again. I have several blades I only used 3-4 times that I can’t get the settings right for anymore. Any tips?
Kelly Wayment
September 27, 2016
I’m sorry to hear that, Rebecca. I haven’t experienced that problem. Make sure when twisting the blade that you never go past 0 to move on to 10, or when dialing up to 10 never go further to 0.
Janet
September 26, 2016
I would also like info on cleaning and Silhouette Premium Blade. TIA Janet
Kelly Wayment
September 27, 2016
Please see my response to Nina, above.
Jayne
December 16, 2016
Keep these arclties coming as they’ve opened many new doors for me.
Tammie
December 7, 2016
How do you get the dial unstuck,I can’t get my dial to turn for the life of me ,its brand new never cut a thing and it just won’t adjust
Sierra Dungan
December 7, 2016
Are you using the adjustment socket in your machine? See here for details: https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/how-to/?slug=blade-adjustment. Please contact the Silhouette America Support Team at support@silhouetteamerica.com if you have any other issues and they can help you troubleshoot your problem.
Cat Faust
December 21, 2016
It appears that part of the blade holder broke off into the knob as I tried to secure the blade for cutting. Now the blade cannot fit snugly thus it cannot cut the vinyl. Are there replacement parts? I’m not finding anything about this issue in troubleshooting?
Sierra Dungan
December 22, 2016
Please contact the Silhouette America Support Team at support@silhouetteamerica.com and they can help you troubleshoot your problem.
kati
December 27, 2016
I am putting about10- 2″ x 2″ designs on my 12 x 12 pce of cardstock. It is cutting about 50% of them. I have the Cameo ii..just opened it TODAY! How can I get it to cut all the designs equally?