Phillocraft Quick Assembly Tips:
- Layout all the parts before assembling.
- Position your table before assembly, it is difficult to move after-the-fact.
- Use a saw horse to hold up unsupported table braces while you attach the legs.
- Assemble all table braces before attaching supports. Finger tighten. Insert table tops and square frame so the edge of all tops are flush along both sides. Now tighten.
- Level table before installing track. Find the high point and raise the rest of the table to match.
Build-Your-Own Vacuum Table Build Tips:
- Your table needs to be very level
- Make your table strong enough to walk on.
- Your table needs to be very level
- If you don’t have time to do it right the first time, when will you find time to do it again the second…
- Consider building a lofted table to maximize floor space.
Cutting Surface Tips:
- Use mesh or window screen between your cutting surface and vacuum table to ensure better suction.
- You can flip the polypropylene and polyethylene sheets as they get worn to double usable life.
- Use harder cutting surface for softer materials.
- If you get “hangers” try drilling smaller holes.
- Use as little cutting pressure as possible to maximize surface life.
Vacuum Blower Tips:
- You cannot have too much vacuum.
- Insulate Vacuum blowers to reduce noise.
- Seal all joints with glue or plastic wrap to improve vacuum.
- Close off unused table sections during cutting to improve vacuum (with blast gates or scrap material).
- A good seal requires very little vacuum.
- Try vacuum bagging with thin plastic sheet.
Cutting Tips:
- Use a fresh blade when cutting close to the edge of the fabric.
- Cut a test box on new material to determine the minimum pressure required to cut. This will extend blade life and table cutting surface life.
- Use the odometer on the plotmaster home screen to track blade life. This will let you know if you need a new blade, before you start a big job.
- N.B. 15% restocking on returned parts
Marking Tips:
- Use Dark Pens on Light fabric and Light pens, silver, on Dark Fabric
- UV pens are good for marking “hidden” serial numbers
- Use as little pressure as possible – about 12-15psi to keep from breaking pens, dulling points, or tearing light material.
- ALWAYS cap sharpies when done plotting.
- N.B. 15% restocking on returned parts
Plotmaster Software Suite Tips:
- Using a dedicated Plotter Computer can speed up plot/cut times.
- Optimize parts before plotting/cutting to get the most efficient plot path.
- Experiment with different speed settings for different materials
- Save jobs in folders by their order # — this makes recuts, and recovers quick and easy to find.
- When you find your optimal settings – take a screen shot. This is ideal in a multiple user or material setting.
- Use the odometer’s in PMXP to track blade life – this lets you know when to use a fresh blade, before you start a big job.
