Vinyl Cutter for Shapeoko

thingiverse

VERSION 1.1 (Added 69mm for DeWalt Routers) This adapter enables the use of Roland cutter head style vinyl cutters with Makita or Carbide derivative brand router heads. The spring-loaded head maintains constant pressure on the vinyl, ensuring precise distance and accuracy. COMPONENTS 3D printed parts (ABS was used but any rigid material should work) Roland Liyu Style cutter head (12mm) and desired cutters Purchase cutter here: https://shop.v1engineering.com/products/drag-knife-vinyl-cutter?variant=27000093897¤cy=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjfvwBRCkARIsAIqSWlPcDijYGRkhoG6N8iDrqgsi9ZxtiXBeTArhOaKU7IhvJwSw5vWnt6AaAj4IEALw_wcB Quarter-inch bolts: 2" (x2), 1-1/2" (x1), washer (x1), wing nuts (x3) Springs: Spring ID greater than 0.25 in, OD less than 0.4 in. Experiment to find the right fit. Glue: Depending on print quality, you may need to glue parts together. ABS can be glued with acetone melting. PRINTING The body has holes for spring-loaded bolts. This makes adjusting spring tension easier. Print with supports or glue two pieces together if needed. ASSEMBLY Process guides for the cutter head for a precise fit. Disassemble the aluminum cutter body and use a drill to heat the metal until it fits well in the plastic. Use spray silicon lubricant for smooth movement. When cutting a spring, place the cut end up towards the wing nuts to prevent jamming the pressure plate. SOFTWARE Use Carbide Create with good results. For tool path, set lowest depth of cut at 0.001" and retract height around 0.5". Add an extra pass for small features to prevent tab formation. HARDWARE Each vinyl sample may have a different thickness. The ideal cut is just nicking the underlying wax paper without cutting all the way through. Adjust by taking the cutter off the router and making sample passes by hand on a spare piece. Set your zero in the Z direction with about 1-2mm of spring preload to compensate for waste board deviation. Feedback welcome