Page 13 - KNK Groove with MTC User Manual
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Alignment Pin
The KNK Groove comes with an alignment pin to be used instead of the laser when setting the origin in the
WYSIWYG cut mode. This is how the alignment pin is inserted into the small hole on the blade holder seat:
To use the pin, simply push down on the top to verify the location of the tip. If you lose the pin, then replace
with any other pointed object that can be mounted firmly into the hole on the seat.
1.07 Mat (Carrier Sheet)
Always use a mat to hold the material to be cut unless the material has its own protective backing. For
example, vinyl and iron-on transfer both come with a layer that you do not cut. Thus, this backing layer
serves as the carrier for cutting. Paper and cardstock do not have a backing, thus they must be cut on the
mat.
If your mat was sold with a can of Krylon Easy Tack, carefully follow the directions on the can. Shake the
can well and place your mat on newspaper in a well-ventilated area such as a patio or inside a garage.
Never spray near other objects! Spray the mat back and forth vertically and horizontally, but only apply a
light coat! Then allow about 30 minutes to dry. Press your hand to the middle of the mat and lift. If you
cannot lift the mat, then apply a second coat. If you can lift the mat and it drops right away, then it’s probably
just right for cutting paper. If you can lift the mat and it drops after a few seconds, then that’s about right for
cardstock and rhinestone template materials. If the mat stays stuck, then that’s best for cutting fabric.
If the newly-sprayed mat is too sticky, causing difficulty in removing cut items without tearing, place an old
but clean towel over the surface of the mat and press with a brayer or rolling pin. Then pull up. Test the
stickiness and repeat until the mat is more appropriate for your material. It should only take a few pressings
to greatly reduce the stickiness, as tiny (too small to be visible) fibers from the towel are added to the
surface.
While Krylon Easy Tack has proven to be an excellent mat adhesive for cutting paper and cardstock,
alternative adhesives may be used in place of the Krylon. If you are cutting thicker materials, such as oil
board or styrene, then you may want to experiment with stronger adhesives or use painter’s tape to secure
the material to the mat. If you are cutting thin paper, then you may want to experiment with lighter
adhesives.
Use a plastic scraper (an old credit card will suffice) to scrape off any random material pieces remaining on
the mat after a cut. For finer particles of paper or lint, you can use a lint roller. Tear off a sheet and then
press down and pull up across the surface of the mat to clean in sections.
When mats begin to lose their stickiness, they can be washed. Use a mild dishwashing detergent, warm
water, and a brush to thoroughly clean the surface. Then allow to thoroughly dry. Normally, the mat will
regain its original stickiness. But if not, apply more adhesive.
Avoid direct contact between the pinch wheels and the mat as the rubber on the wheels will tend to pick up
the adhesive and then later stick to the material you are cutting. If this happens, these rubber wheels may
be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol or Un-Du. Move the wheel away from a grit shaft, apply the cleaner to a
clean rag or paper towel, and rub the entire wheel until free of adhesive.
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