Ask the experts

Richard Clayton

A cut above...

Question: I haven’t cut thick mountboard for a while and remember it can be difficult. I have a large print to frame and want to use 3mm Larson-Juhl oyster solid core. I’m using a Keencut Ultimat Gold, so do I need to change the blade and any settings? Any advice most welcome.

Answer: The first thing to check is if there is any play in the cutting head? Lightly grip the head and try to move it left-to-right in a rotary motion – if there is any play or movement it will need adjusting. There are two Allen head screws on the right hand side of the Ultimat Gold cutting head, so slowly tighten one until it just grips the cutting head – and it won’t slide - then back it off by about a quarter turn so the head slides freely. Repeat for the second screw.

Next, change to the thin, single edged Tech S 012 blade, making sure it’s fitted the right way around (there is an arrow on the blade indicating the cutting point). Then set the depth, so it’s cutting about half-way into the slip mat.

Now you need to adjust for under and over cuts – there are two methods - and both will need some test cuts. The usual way is to cut a single window corner, check the under/over cuts and adjust the dials on the top and bottom stops. You’ll probably find the top stop needs minimal adjustment while the bottom stop will need 2-3mm. Keep testing and adjusting until you get a perfect corner.

The second method leaves the stop adjusters as they are, which is useful if you’re cutting thick and regular boards. Make a test cut – for example, if there’s a 2.5mm overcut reduce the set dimension by 2.5mm; if the margin width is 75mm set the stop to 72.5mm; if under cutting by 1mm set the stop to 76mm. A little tip - if you’re cutting a mount with a bias I would write the required dimensions on the back of the board to make it easier to check and keep track of the settings. Whatever the preferred method, you should be able to make the cut in a single motion, but if you find it difficult by all means make two or three passes to complete the cut.

David Wilkie GCF – Silverstone Framing in Northants

Allen key head screws Blade Insert blade