Editing V-Groove Configurations: MatDesigner

A closed V-Groove cuts a shallow depth into the matboard and a thin piece of matboard is removed to show a thin decorative bevel. A closed V-Groove and all of the openings on the V-Groove layer are cut from the front of the mat.

NOTE: This section concentrates on the V-Groove itself. For borders or openings on that layer, see the appropriate bevel type. Make sure that the opening (from front) is cutting correctly before adjusting the V-Groove.

NOTE: Changing the width of a closed V-Groove on the properties tab to anything larger than zero (0) will cut as an open V-Groove. Open V-Grooves do not use the V-Groove configuration. See Open V-Grooves for more information.

Outside cut of V-Groove is cut first counterclockwise.

Inside cut of V-Groove is cut second clockwise.

Have MatDesigner open on main screen.

Click Start then Programs (or All Programs) then Wizard.

Click MatDesigner folder.

Click on Calibration folder.

Double-click on VGrooveBevel.PATH.

The configuration mat is loaded to cut.

Cut the mat from the front with the desired cartridge.

It will cut a 2” V-Groove with 2” borders; don’t cut the outside.

Mark an X in lower left corner of mat and opening on cutting side before removing from CMC.

Look at the cuts. Do any of the cuts go too far? Are any of the cuts too short?

To make adjustments, click on the configurations button, then click on the appropriate cartridge tab, and select V-Groove from current bevel type on the configuration screen.

The backups and overcuts control where the blade plunges in and retracts from the matboard.

V-Groove Exterior Backup

Exterior Backup is where blade plunges into the matboard.

Increase exterior backup to make the cut longer.

Decrease exterior backup to make the cut shorter.

V-Groove Exterior Overcut

Exterior Overcut is where blade comes out of the matboard.

Increase exterior overcut to make the cut longer.

Decrease exterior overcut to make the cut shorter.

V-Groove Interior Backup

Interior Backup is where blade plunges in on the fallout (i.e., French Stairs).

Increase interior backup to make the cut longer.

Decrease interior backup to make the cut shorter.

V-Groove Interior Overcut

Interior Overcut is where blade comes out of the fallout (i.e., French Stairs).

Increase interior overcut to make the cut longer.

Decrease interior overcut to make the cut shorter.

Measure the width of the V-Groove to make sure it is 2”. If it is not, change the opening adjustment.

Increase opening adjustment if opening is too narrow.

Decrease opening adjustment if opening is too wide.

If the V-Groove is cutting too wide or narrow, change the V-Groove width adjustment.

Increase width adjustment if V-Groove is too narrow.

Decrease width adjustment if V-Groove is too wide.

Rotation is how much the head rotates before cutting; rotating the blade a few degrees eliminates curves at the beginning of the cut. This value does not affect circles or ovals.

Rotations are separately adjustable for the inside cut and outside cut for V-Grooves. These values do not affect circular or oval V-Grooves.

Determine if the problem is a swoop or a flare.

Outside cut of the closed V-Groove

The outside cut of the V-Groove cuts first in a counterclockwise direction. Determine if the problem is a swoop or flare.

If the beginning of the cut swoops toward the opening, reduce the rotation.

For swoops, decrease the rotation. Decreasing rotation turns head counter-clockwise.

If the beginning of the cut flares away from the opening, increase the rotation.

For flares, increase the rotation. Increasing rotation turns head clockwise.

Inside cut of the closed V-Groove

The inside cut of the V-Groove cuts second in a clockwise direction. Determine if the problem is a swoop or flare.

If the beginning of the cut swoops toward the opening, increase the rotation.

For swoops, increase the rotation. Decreasing rotation turns head clockwise.

If the beginning of the cut flares away from the opening, reduce the rotation.

For flares, decrease the rotation. Increasing rotation turns head counter-clockwise.

An Open V-Groove is comprised of two cuts where a channel of the matboard is cut away to reveal the color of the mat below it. It is usually cut from the back.

Inside cut cuts counter-clockwise and uses normal drop bevel configuration.

See Editing Counter-Clockwise Cuts.

Outside cut cuts clockwise and uses normal bevel configuration.

See Editing Clockwise Cuts.

Inside cut cuts clockwise and uses reverse drop bevel configuration.

See Editing Clockwise Cuts.

Outside cut cuts counter-clockwise and uses reverse bevel configuration.

See Editing Counter-Clockwise Cuts.