Measuring the Blade Depth: All Current CMC Models Except the Z1

For AI-powered technical support, check out our new AI chatbot Wizards AI chatbot

Measuring the Blade Depth: All Current CMC Models Except the Z1

  • These instructions demonstrate how to measure the Blade Depth on all CMC models except the CMC Z1 for accurate cuts.

  • We will measure the Blade Depth to determine what the Default Blade Depth should be for your standard matboard.

  • Open FrameShop/MatDesigner and design a 2x2 opening mat.

  • Go to the Cut Preview Screen and cut the mat on your standard matboard.

  • Look at the mat. Did the Blade cut all the way through the matboard? Or did it cut all the way into the backing mat?

2x2 Opening
  • If an adjustment needs to be made, click on the Blade Depth Button on the Cut Preview.

Click the Blade Depth Button
  • The Blade Depth Screen will open.

Blade Depth Screen
  • Look carefully at your CMC model’s Blade Dial and the associated Blade Depth numbers.

    • Turning the Blade Depth Dial to lower numbers makes a shallower cut,

    • Turning the Blade Depth Dial to higher numbers makes a deeper cut.

BladeDepthKnobZUP2024800.png
Blade Depth Dial

Setting the Default Blade Depth

  • Once satisfied with the Blade Depth, open the Blade Depth Screen and click on the Opening field.

  • Change the Blade Depth number to match the Blade Depth Dial. In the Label field, enter a title such as “recommended for paper mat depth”.

  • Click on the “Set as Default” button to make the current Blade Depth the default Blade Depth setting.

Click Set as Default if Desired

Matboard Thickness/Blade Depth Dial Increments

  • Each mark on the Blade Depth Dial is .005 of an inch.

  • For example, if you are cutting 4-ply on the Blade Depth setting of 10 and that mat is .064” thick and you get a matboard that is .082” thick, you would need to increase the Blade Depth Dial setting by 4 to 14 (which would be .084”... close enough).

  • Remember to make the same change in the Blade Depth Screen.

BladeDepthKnobZUP2024800.png
Each Mark on the Blade Dial is .005 of an Inch

Blade Depth Adjustment

  • When you go to the Cut Preview, you have the option of using the Default Blade Depth to cut the current mat, or you can click on the Blade Depth Button to select a different Blade Depth for each layer.

  • Have the desired layer selected.

The New Blade Depth is Displayed Next to the Current Layer
  • Click on the Blade Depth Button.

Click the Blade Depth Button
  • On the Blade Depth Screen, enter the new Blade Dial number under Opening.

  • The Label field allows you to make notes about the matboard used at this particular Blade Depth setting.

Enter the New Blade Depth Value Number Under Opening
  • Select “Apply New Depth to All Layers” if you wish the same Blade Depth to be applied to all layers of the current mat.

Select Apply New Depth to All Layers if Desired
  • Click OK.

  • The new Blade Depth number is listed next to the current layer.

The New Blade Depth Number is Listed Next to the Current Layer
  • The Blade Depth number is also displayed at the top of the screen for the current layer.

  • NOTE: If you return to the Editor then go back to the Cut Preview, the default Blade Depth setting will be reloaded for all layers.

The Blade Depth Number is Also Displayed at the Top of the Screen
  • When you cut the mat, if the newly selected Blade Depth is different than the last Blade Depth used, you will be prompted to change the Blade Depth Dial to the correct Blade Depth.

  • Note: Your actual screen may look different but contains the same message.

Blade Depth Prompt for New Blade Depth