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tools:vinyl_cutter:clearance

Vinyl Cutter Clearance

Members who are already proficient in the subject matter may apply to receive a clearance by demonstrating a core set of skills and knowledge that allow them to safely and effectively use the equipment.

Most tools in the shop require clearance before solo use. Each tool is different and most are expensive and/or delicate.

During a Proficiency Based Clearance Instructors will provide Protohaven specific customs and rules for the equipment but will not provide technical instruction on the operation of the hardware, or software.

If a member needs to gain additional knowledge or skill they should take a Basic Skills Class to learn the required skills.

The items that will need to be demonstrated to gain the Proficiency Based Clearance are:

General Shop Rules

Be safe

  • Understands safety clearances are required as bare minimum.
  • Understands equipment must never be left unattended.
  • Understands why equipment must be reset after use.

Take care of the tools

  • Will not alter or use equipment beyond limits.
  • Will notify when maintenance is needed.

Keep the shop clean

  • Understands importance of cleaning up after oneself.
  • Will return borrowed tools to original location.
  • Understands anything left outside of your paid monthly or overnight storage may be removed and disposed.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Knows whether synthetic materials may be worn during use.
  • Knows whether long sleeves can be worn beyond elbows during operation of equipment.
  • Knows whether loose clothing & hair may be worn down.
  • Knows whether open-toed shoes may be worn.
  • Knows whether safety glasses and hearing protection are required during operation.
  • Knows whether safety glasses are required when near someone else operating equipment in the workshop.
  • Knows whether additional PPE is required (e.g. apron, face shield…)

Tool Specific Instruction

Point out the following tool features

  • Maintenance Tag
  • Power switch
  • Control panel
  • Pressure rollers
  • Cutting head
  • Ruler & cutting guides
  • Tube holder
  • Dust pouch
  • Computer station

Identify & mitigate common hazards

  • Material buckling & catching - load in material properly, only clamp pressure rollers on designated areas, set origin point properly
  • Cutting through material & backing sheet or not cutting through at all - set pressure & speed settings accordingly, run a test before running the whole job, retract cutting blade in the cutting head

Allowable Materials

  • Can name one common material that is safe for use
  • Can name one common material that is prohibited for use

Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup

  • Demonstrates proper loading in & workholding of material in vinyl cutter
  • Demonstrates setting the position & origin point of the cutting head without manually moving the motorized head or pulling on material
  • Demonstrates execution of a job
  • Demonstrates cleaning the vinyl cutter

Knowledge and Technique

  • Demonstrates the ability to run a test cut on the Control Panel of the machine
  • Demonstrates the ability to adjust the machine settings
  • Demonstrates proper origin set up on Control Panel and Sure Cuts A-Lot software
  • Demonstrates proper file set up for Sure Cuts A-Lot software
tools/vinyl_cutter/clearance.txt · Last modified: 2024/02/07 19:12 by smartin015