Well I got my CE5000-60

[Tjay]

Amazing machine, except no matter what I do it will not cut even across the width of the media.

It cuts perfect on the right side next to the control panel but the further across the media it goes to the left the cutting depth gets more shallow and it will not cut
right side weeds perfect but the left side does not even cut the surface

[JimmyG]

Do you mean CE5000-60 ? a Graphtec plotter? Did you buy it new? I'm surprized if new....
If new, ya need check your platten strip or get a Graphtec Techie to come adjust your left side mount of the cutter head track bar that runs the width length...it mighta got boggled during shipping....
Just offering suggestions....

:-)~

[Tjay]

Yes brand new Graphtec
no matter what I do, the right side cuts deeper than the left on 15 inch media
(paint mask)
If you do the test pattern and get it set right, that cuts on the right side (facing the printer and is perfect)
the left side is not even scored at the surface

So you think I got a bad one?
Do they have people that will actually come out?

[JimmyG]

Check your platten strip to make sure it is even and check your blade holder for tightness...

Use a caliper, dial or vernier, or inside caliper or something that you can VERY ACCURATELY measure the distance between the platten, the feed roller and the top rail that the cutterhead assembly slides/rolls across on....You will probably have to remove the top cover (2 screws) to do so.....
Measure the distance between on the far left and right, and in the middle where you have to run 15 inch media.....But sure get the most accurate measures that you can (more than just mm's or 10th's).... Check the head assembly rollers for tightness.
If there is a noticeable difference (know exactly what it is) call the folks you bought it from as it may well be out of alignment, or you got a bad machine or it got boggled in shipment....I would likely send it back for a new machine if it is brand spanking new.....There may be some adjustments you could do, but most times working on a new machine youself can void your warranty....

....

[bigwater]

Yes, you have a problem with the plotter, most likely a manufacturing issue. With it being brand new I wouldn't bother trying to fix it yourself. I'd just call the supplier and have them dispatch a technician to fix or replace it. Graphtec has bang up good service, and they'll be out there in a matter of a few hours, next day at most.

[Tjay]

Contacting them now
Hopefully it does not have to be shipped back

I really did not expect this from Graphtec, this is why I opted to spend the money on a name brand unit
Should I send back and get a Roland?

[bigwater]

I wouldn't think so... you probably just got one out of a thousand that had production problems. There's no way the production process can get it right 100% of the time, and you just got unlucky. They'll make it right. I personally think a Graphtec is a better machine than a Roland, but they both are very good.

[JimmyG]

I personally know a Graphetec is better than a Roland as the features are better amd include more options...
Let us know what your measurements tell you Tjay...

...

[Tjay]

Well sitting here thinking, I decided to flip the mask over and try the pen tool.
My thinking is, the pen would not work correctly either if all that is out of line.

well the pen seems to work fine.
So now I am wondering if it is me.

I have extra blades, and tried changing the blade.
tried the plotter control, letting the machine control it, tried different offsets, and force settings
still the same result.

So now I am stumped
UScutter is not responding, so I am guessing I picked the wrong dealer.
Cant I just call an authorized service company for a warranty check out?

[JimmyG]

Did you measure things like I suggested TJay?
How long exactly have you had your CE5000?
USCutter...oh man...no wonder you get no response....how close to Washington state are you?

yes you can try call an authorized service dealer but you need to know if the plotter is out of alignment....measure it!

....

[bigwater]

You bought a Graphtec from USCutter? How in the world did that happen? USCutter is a Chinese based firm that sells their own branded plotters and to my knowledge they don't sell Graphtec machines unless the entire universe has suddenly imploded on me while my back was turned. I could be wrong, and I have been before, but if it's true that you bought a Graphtec from USCutter I really need to go lay down for a while.

Pens and blades aren't the same. A pen will often draw when a blade won't cut. Pressure differences needed to draw a line with a pen are minimal. Pressure differences required to cut a line with a blade are much greater. Jimmy nailed it, it needs to be aligned, but I'd be screaming from the rooftops if I bought a brand new plotter and it was behaving the way you describe it.

[Tjay]

No I did not have a dial caliper or anything that accurate.
Wasn't ignoring the suggestion, in fact I appreciate the help

Well here is the end of the story, and I feel like a dolt
I watched all the videos several times, and they never mentioned that the flange on the blade had to go under the little retainer that is compressed by the thumb screw.
I had played with my pen, and it never required that piece at all
With a blade holder the flange must fit under number 6 to work correctly

Graphtec support (not us cutter) was outstanding. Oscar new exactly what the problem was and sent me this photo for a visual reference.
Got the pin in correctly and no problems now
works perfect.

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp267/Pirate-TJay/Untitled-1.png


So now that my graphtec is in place and working so well, I just have to finish hooking this up to proper air lines and I am off to the races
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp267/Pirate-TJay/IMG_0110.jpg

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp267/Pirate-TJay/IMG_0116.jpg
It is on the stand now, the plotter showed up one day ahead and I just had to see it

[Tjay]

Yeah actually UScutter had the best deal on the plotter at the time
still after seeing their customer service it will be the last purchase I make there



You bought a Graphtec from USCutter? How in the world did that happen? USCutter is a Chinese based firm that sells their own branded plotters and to my knowledge they don't sell Graphtec machines unless the entire universe has suddenly imploded on me while my back was turned. I could be wrong, and I have been before, but if it's true that you bought a Graphtec from USCutter I really need to go lay down for a while.

Pens and blades aren't the same. A pen will often draw when a blade won't cut. Pressure differences needed to draw a line with a pen are minimal. Pressure differences required to cut a line with a blade are much greater. Jimmy nailed it, it needs to be aligned, but I'd be screaming from the rooftops if I bought a brand new plotter and it was behaving the way you describe it.