When engraving a predefined shape, it can be difficult to achieve consistent alignment. Print and Cut Registration Marks to the Rescue! To download the Sure Cuts a Lot and SVG files used in this demo, click here. Prerequisites Completed Print and Cut calibration with the blade in the left tool holder. Completed Dual Tool alignment calibration with the blade in the left tool holder and the engraving tool in the right tool holder. Note: I always calibrate in mm. The offsets for my embossing tool are x(-1.8),y( 1.6). The offsets for my engraving tool are x(-1.8),y(1.5). Your offsets may vary. I …
KNK Force | Carving a Rubber Stamp
Another nifty thing we can apparently do with our KNK Force cutters is make stamps! Watch the video below for a quick overview and read more about the materials, instructions, and see screenshots of the whole process after that. Materials List 1 4×6 Speedball Easy Carve carving block 1 Dremel 105 Engraving Cutter bit Preparation The rubber stamping block should adhere well to a clean,sticky mat on its own. I suggest placing cardstock scraps over the open areas to prevent waste material from sticking to your mat. Less to clean! Instructions I used Sure Cuts a Lot for this, but this approach …
Cutting a Vinyl Record on the KNK Force
A few KNK customers have been curious about whether their machines could be used to cut a record, the other kind of vinyl, so I decided to try and wanted to share the results. Anytime I cut plastic, wood, or any other potentially messy material I like to use what I call a “trash mat” and it just so happens that Amazon has a 2 pack of Cricut mats on sale for $7.19! I usually clean my mats weekly, but sometimes I have a particularly messy week so it’s always helpful to have some spare mats kicking around. How To Start …
Blade Offset — Why does it matter?
In the most basic of definitions, blade offset is the distance from the tip of the blade to the center of its shaft. It’s also a measurement of the blade’s effective cutting width. The blade offset value is used in calculating the distance the blade must travel past a corner in order for the tip of the blade to reach the same point when its direction changes. This is most visible when cutting squares. If blade offset is set too low, corners will be rounded. If blade offset is set too high, your corners will bulge outwards. For most applications, there is sufficient …
SCAL Surprise
A couple of days ago, I purchased Sure Cuts a Lot to learn how to use it and better support other KNK Force users. After a bit of procrastination, I finally installed it. My first task was to setup a 15×15 custom mat preset. My next few mouse clicks would reveal a nice surprise. No spoilers, just watch the video! If you’re not already a Sure Cuts a Lot owner, purchasing it through this link puts a little change in the CutterPunk tip jar at no cost to you. Thanks and happy cutting!
Engraving with the KNK Force – Cutting Depth
Today, we’re going to explore the wonderful world of engraving aluminum stamping blanks with the KNK Force. Aluminum is a very soft metal, so this is more of a test of engraving settings rather than the Force’s ability to engrave. Supplies – KNK Force – KNK Force Engraving Tool – RMP Stamping Blanks, 1″ Round with Hole, Aluminum .040″ (18 Ga.) – Scotch Double Sided Tape, 1/2 x 250 Inches, 3-Pack Caddy (3136) – Scotch Sure Start Shipping Packaging Tape, 2 Inches x 800 Inches (145) Method I used Make the Cut to create the SVG file used in testing. Each aluminum blank has been cut using slightly different settings …
Matboard Cut with the KNK Force
Inspired by Marianne’s comments on my previous post, I set out to find whether or not the KNK Force can cut photo matboard. Well, guess what? It can! Check out the video below to see the awesomeness! Just so we’re clear with what we’re working with, here’s the product label: My caliper measures the material at 1.3mm in thickness. Here are some photos of the finished products. I didn’t file or sand the edges, beyond rubbing my finger on them to get some paper dust off. It does shed a bit while cutting. In my testing, I used the fabric, …
Embossing Aluminum on the KNK Force
The KNK Force can exert a maximum pressure of 8.8lbs (the Silhouette Cameo only does 210 grams), so it can easily handle embossing a fleur-de-lis on 36gauge aluminum. Here’s a link to the original file and the rhinestone converted image I generated in Make the Cut so you can try at home! Materials Used KNK Embossing Tool Shelf Liner: Contact Luxury Shelf Liner or Duck Brand Smooth Top 36ga Aluminum: http://amzn.to/1PEezRg note: you can also buy this locally at Dick Blick/Utrecht Settings Passes: 1 Cutting Depth: 130 Cutting Speed: 40 Up Speed: 40 Down Speed: 40 Lift Speed: 20
The KNK Force is here!
After six weeks, my KNK Force has finally arrived. Considering I’d only worked with a Cricut and drooled over CNCs in wood shops, I was indeed very excited. I started producing some videos in the hopes of helping other new or potential owners become acquainted with the Force. Let the Star Wars jokes fly!