Skycut D Series User manual

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Skycut Series D with Sure Cuts A Lot
August 20, 2020
You can expect updates to this manual over the next few months
Do NOT read this entire manual… unless you want to.
•At the start of Chapters 1 - 4 are short sections with references to find what you need plus some important
reminders. PLEASE read these short sections at the very least and refer back to them, when needed.
•Chapters 1 and 2 are very important in terms of correctly setting up your Skycut to work with SCAL and
learning the ins and outs of cutting.
•Chapter 3 is for those owners wanting to perform print and cut applications.
•Chapter 4 covers using the Skycut accessory tools and dual head applications.
•Chapters 5 –12 are specific to SCAL and present every function in the software, many of which you may
never need.
It’s not practical to print this entire manual because:
•It’s a waste of paper and ink if you only ever need certain sections.
•The live links to videos and section numbers in the manual will not work.
•This manual will be updated from time to time.
•You cannot search on individual words.
Also:
•Note the green icons which link to videos related to the section in which they are located. These
videos will enhance your learning experience.
_______________________________________________________________
© 2018-2020 Sunrise Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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Table of Contents
SKYCUT SERIES D WITH SURE CUTS A LOT ................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION AND SETTING UP ................................................................................................................. 9
1.00 QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER ..........................................................................................................9
1.01 SUPPORT.......................................................................................................................................................9
1.02 SAFETY AND WARNINGS.................................................................................................................................9
1.03 WARRANTY..................................................................................................................................................10
1.04 UNPACKING .................................................................................................................................................10
1.05 CONTENTS...................................................................................................................................................10
1.06 PARTS OF THE SKYCUT.................................................................................................................................12
Front...............................................................................................................................................................12
Right Side.......................................................................................................................................................12
Left Side:........................................................................................................................................................13
Back: ..............................................................................................................................................................13
1.07 ACCESSORIES..............................................................................................................................................13
1.07.1 Tables (optional) .................................................................................................................................13
1.07.2 Test Pen..............................................................................................................................................14
1.07.3 Skycut Blades .....................................................................................................................................15
1.07.4 Blade Installation.................................................................................................................................15
1.08 PREPARING AND CARING FOR THE CUTTING MAT...........................................................................................16
1.08.1 Tips on Using the Cutting Mat.............................................................................................................16
1.08.2 Cleaning and Replenishing the Cutting Mat .......................................................................................16
1.09 PINCH WHEELS............................................................................................................................................17
1.10 CONTROL PANEL..........................................................................................................................................18
1.10.1 Set Screen ..........................................................................................................................................19
1.11 REGISTERING AND INSTALLING SCAL............................................................................................................19
1.12 CONNECTING THE SKYCUT TO YOUR COMPUTER...........................................................................................20
1.12.1 USB Connection..................................................................................................................................21
1.12.2 Wi-Fi Connection.................................................................................................................................21
1.12.3 Wireless Stand-Alone .........................................................................................................................24
1.12.4 USB Flash Drive..................................................................................................................................24
1.13 VERIFY COMMUNICATION AND TEST DRAW SHAPES.......................................................................................27
1.13.1 Setup for Drawing ...............................................................................................................................27
1.13.2 Drawing Your First Shape...................................................................................................................28
1.14 DEFAULT SETTINGS TO CONSIDER................................................................................................................35
1.14.1 Advanced Settings..............................................................................................................................35
1.14.2 General Settings .................................................................................................................................37
1.14.3 Sys Information...................................................................................................................................39
1.15 MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................................................40
1.16 OTHER USEFUL TOOLS AND SUPPLIES ..........................................................................................................40
2. CUTTING...........................................................................................................................................................42
2.00 QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS CHAPTER.........................................................................................................42
2.01 WHAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT CUTTING .....................................................................................42
2.01.1 You Have To Make Mistakes..............................................................................................................42
2.01.2 Record Your Successes .....................................................................................................................43
2.01.3 Installing the Blade Holder, Test Pen, or Accessory Tools.................................................................43
2.01.4 Adjust the Speed, Force, and Number of Passes Based on the Material and Shapes......................44
2.01.5 Perform Test Cuts!..............................................................................................................................44
2.01.6 Keep the Cutting Mat Clean and Sticky..............................................................................................44
2.01.7 Don’t Get Frustrated, Get Help! ..........................................................................................................44
2.02 CHOICES BEFORE CUTTING..........................................................................................................................45
2.02.1 Controlling Which Shapes Will Cut.....................................................................................................45

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2.02.2 Controlling Where Shapes Will Cut.....................................................................................................46
2.02.3 Selecting the Tool to be Used for Cutting...........................................................................................46
2.02.4 Determining the Cut Settings..............................................................................................................48
2.03 CUT SETTINGS.............................................................................................................................................48
2.03.1 Pressure..............................................................................................................................................48
2.03.2 Speed and Up Speed..........................................................................................................................49
2.03.3 Blade Offset ........................................................................................................................................49
2.03.4 Overcut................................................................................................................................................50
2.03.5 Multi-Cut..............................................................................................................................................50
2.04 PRESETS .....................................................................................................................................................53
2.05 SETTING THE ORIGIN BEFORE CUTTING.........................................................................................................56
2.05.1 Setting an Origin Using the Camera ...................................................................................................57
2.06 OTHER CUT SETTING FUNCTIONS .................................................................................................................59
2.07 IMPORTANT CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU CUT!...................................................................................................59
2.08 RESOLUTION/SCALE CALIBRATION................................................................................................................60
2.08.1 Skycut Resolution Using Millimeters for Measurement ......................................................................61
2.08.2 Skycut Resolution Using Inches for Measurement.............................................................................62
2.09 TEST CUTTING FLOW CHART FOR THE SKYCUT..............................................................................................65
2.10 SETTINGS FORM FOR CUTTING MATERIALS ...................................................................................................66
2.11 SUGGESTED SETTINGS FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS..........................................................................................67
3. PRINT AND CUT (CONTOUR CUT) ................................................................................................................69
3.00 QUICK REFERENCE FOR CHAPTER 3.............................................................................................................69
3.01 WHAT IS A PRINT AND CUT (PNC)? ..............................................................................................................69
3.02 WHAT IS A PNC CALIBRATION?.....................................................................................................................70
3.03 CAMERA CALIBRATION PROCEDURE..............................................................................................................70
3.04 PERFORMING A PNC IN SCAL......................................................................................................................73
3.04.1 Summary of Steps...............................................................................................................................73
3.04.2 Step-by-Step Sample PNC Project.....................................................................................................74
3.05 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PRINT AND CUT APPLICATIONS ........................................................................79
3.05.1 Registration Mark Settings..................................................................................................................79
3.05.2 Inaccurate Tracings ............................................................................................................................80
3.06 PRINTING A PNC PROJECT FROM OUTSIDE OF SCAL....................................................................................81
3.07 PNC FROM USB FLASH DRIVE .....................................................................................................................82
3.07.1 PNC from Flash Drive –Single Cut ....................................................................................................82
3.07.2 PNC from Flash Drive –Using Array Mark for Repeats .....................................................................83
3.07.3 Mark Set Options ................................................................................................................................86
4. ACCESSORY TOOLS ......................................................................................................................................89
4.00 QUICK REFERENCE FOR CHAPTER 4.............................................................................................................89
4.01 DUAL HEAD CALIBRATION.............................................................................................................................89
4.02 DRAWING WITH THE TEST PEN......................................................................................................................92
4.02.1 Draw and Cut ......................................................................................................................................93
4.03 EMBOSSING AND SCORING ...........................................................................................................................94
4.03.1 General Info on Embossing ................................................................................................................94
4.03.2 Score and Contour Cut (Print and Cut) Project ..................................................................................95
4.03.3 Embossing Paper or Cardstock ..........................................................................................................97
4.04 SCRATCH ENGRAVING..................................................................................................................................98
4.04.1 Engraving a Metal Tag........................................................................................................................99
4.04 SETTINGS FORM FOR ACCESSORY TOOLS...................................................................................................103
5. SCAL: INSTALLATION, PREFERENCES, AND WORKSPACE..................................................................104
5.01 INSTALLING SCAL......................................................................................................................................104
5.01.1 Selecting and Downloading the Software.........................................................................................104
5.01.2 Activating the Software .....................................................................................................................105
5.01.3 Installing the USB Driver...................................................................................................................107
5.01.4 Installing Your Cutter ........................................................................................................................107
5.02 MAIN SCAL SCREEN..................................................................................................................................107
5.03 LIBRARY ....................................................................................................................................................108
5.04 PROPERTIES PANEL ...................................................................................................................................109
5.05 CUSTOMIZING THE PROPERTIES PANEL /WORKSPACE.................................................................................110

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5.06 DOCUMENT PANEL.....................................................................................................................................114
5.06.1 Mat Size ............................................................................................................................................114
5.06.2 Orientation.........................................................................................................................................115
5.06.3 Units..................................................................................................................................................116
5.06.4 Show Grid .........................................................................................................................................116
5.06.5 Show Guidelines...............................................................................................................................117
5.06.6 Workspace Alpha..............................................................................................................................118
5.06.7 Show Outlines Only ..........................................................................................................................118
5.06.8 Show Print Margins...........................................................................................................................118
5.06.9 Show Reg Marks...............................................................................................................................119
5.06.10 Show Page Color............................................................................................................................119
5.06.11 Show Template...............................................................................................................................119
5.07 SNAP TO....................................................................................................................................................120
5.08 OTHER PREFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................120
5.09 ZOOMING AND PANNING .............................................................................................................................121
5.09.1 Zooming ............................................................................................................................................122
5.09.2 Panning.............................................................................................................................................122
5.10 UNDO/REDO ..............................................................................................................................................123
5.10.1 Undo..................................................................................................................................................123
5.10.2 Redo..................................................................................................................................................123
5.11PROJECTS AND PAGES...............................................................................................................................123
5.12 HELP RESOURCES .....................................................................................................................................124
6. SCAL: HANDLING FILES AND ORGANIZING LAYERS ............................................................................126
6.01 OPENING FILES..........................................................................................................................................126
6.01.1 Opening a New File/Project ..............................................................................................................126
6.01.2 Opening an Existing .SCUT File.......................................................................................................126
6.02 SAVING SCAL FILES..................................................................................................................................127
6.03 CUSTOMIZING THE LIBRARY ........................................................................................................................127
6.03.1 Shapes Tab.......................................................................................................................................128
6.03.2 Fonts Tab..........................................................................................................................................132
6.03.3 Projects Tab......................................................................................................................................132
6.04 LAYERS PANEL...........................................................................................................................................134
6.04.1 Introduction to the Layers Panel.......................................................................................................134
6.04.2 Parts of the Layers Panel..................................................................................................................135
6.04.3 Creating Folders and Moving Layers................................................................................................138
6.05 THE ESHAPE STORE...................................................................................................................................141
6.06 IMPORTING OTHER FILE FORMATS ..............................................................................................................141
6.06.1 Importing Vector Files.......................................................................................................................141
6.06.2 Importing Raster Files.......................................................................................................................143
6.06.3 Importing Fonts.................................................................................................................................143
6.07 EXPORTING IN OTHER FILE FORMATS..........................................................................................................143
6.07.1 Exporting in SVG Format..................................................................................................................144
6.07.2 Exporting in JPG, PNG, BMP and TIFF Formats .............................................................................144
6.07.3 Exporting in FCM Format..................................................................................................................145
6.07.4 Exporting in PLT Format...................................................................................................................145
6.07.5 Exporting to SCAL2 ..........................................................................................................................146
7. SCAL: MANIPULATING AND COLORING SHAPES ..................................................................................147
7.01 BASIC SHAPES...........................................................................................................................................147
7.01.1 Rectangle..........................................................................................................................................147
7.01.2 Rounded Rectangle ..........................................................................................................................147
7.01.3 Circle and Oval..................................................................................................................................148
7.01.4 Triangle .............................................................................................................................................148
7.01.5 Polygon .............................................................................................................................................148
7.01.6 Star....................................................................................................................................................148
7.01.7 Spiral.................................................................................................................................................149
7.02 SELECTING ................................................................................................................................................149
7.02.1 Basic Selection Handles ...................................................................................................................150
7.02.2 Advanced Selection Handles............................................................................................................150
7.03 DELETING ..................................................................................................................................................152

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7.04 MOVING.....................................................................................................................................................152
7.05 RESIZING,SCALING,AUTO FIT ....................................................................................................................154
7.05.1 Resizing ............................................................................................................................................154
7.05.2 Scaling ..............................................................................................................................................155
7.05.3 Auto Fit..............................................................................................................................................156
7.06 ROTATING..................................................................................................................................................157
7.07 SKEWING AND DISTORTING.........................................................................................................................158
7.07.1 Skewing.............................................................................................................................................158
7.07.2 Distorting...........................................................................................................................................159
7.08 MIRRORING AND FLIPPING ..........................................................................................................................160
7.09 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING ..........................................................................................................................160
7.10 HIDING AND SHOWING................................................................................................................................161
7.11 GROUPING AND UNGROUPING.....................................................................................................................161
7.11.1 Group ................................................................................................................................................161
7.11.2 Ungroup ............................................................................................................................................162
7.12 BREAKING AND MERGING............................................................................................................................162
7.12.1 Break Apart .......................................................................................................................................163
7.12.2 Merge................................................................................................................................................163
7.13 ARRANGING (ORDERING)SHAPES...............................................................................................................164
7.14 FILL &STROKE:FILL ..................................................................................................................................166
7.14.1 No Fill................................................................................................................................................167
7.14.2 Color Fill............................................................................................................................................168
7.14.3 Pattern Fill.........................................................................................................................................169
7.14.4 Gradient Fill.......................................................................................................................................170
7.14.5 Opacity..............................................................................................................................................172
7.15 FILL &STROKE:STROKE ............................................................................................................................173
7.15.1 Stroke Settings..................................................................................................................................173
7.15.2 Stroke Line Style...............................................................................................................................177
7.15.3 Converting Strokes into Closed Shapes...........................................................................................177
7.16 DROPPER TOOL.........................................................................................................................................178
7.17 CUTTING,COPYING,PASTING,DUPLICATING ...............................................................................................179
7.17.1 Cutting to the Clipboard ....................................................................................................................179
7.17.2 Copying to the Clipboard ..................................................................................................................179
7.17.3 Pasting from the Clipboard ...............................................................................................................179
7.17.4 Duplicating –Duplicate .....................................................................................................................180
7.17.5 Quick Duplicate.................................................................................................................................180
7.18 ALIGNMENT................................................................................................................................................180
7.18.1 Align to Page.....................................................................................................................................181
7.18.2 Align to Selection ..............................................................................................................................182
7.19 DISTRIBUTE ...............................................................................................................................................183
7.19.1 Distribute to Page..............................................................................................................................184
7.19.2 Distribute to Selection.......................................................................................................................185
7.19.3 Distribute to Selection Below ............................................................................................................187
8. SCAL: WORKING WITH TEXT.....................................................................................................................190
8.01 TEXT OPTIONS...........................................................................................................................................190
8.02 SELECTING A FONT ....................................................................................................................................190
8.02.1 Choosing a Font from the Font Menu...............................................................................................190
8.02.2 Choosing a Font via Font Preview....................................................................................................190
8.02.3 Temporarily Installing a Font.............................................................................................................192
8.03 ADDING TEXT OPTIONS ..............................................................................................................................193
8.04 FOUR MODES OF TEXT...............................................................................................................................194
8.04.1 Type Tool..........................................................................................................................................194
8.04.2 Vertical Type Tool...........................................................................................................................194
8.04.3 Type on Path Tool...........................................................................................................................195
8.04.4 Type on Arch Tool.............................................................................................................................196
8.05 TEXT SETTINGS..........................................................................................................................................197
8.06 OTHER TEXT EDITING.................................................................................................................................199
8.07 CREATING A CONNECTED LETTER TITLE......................................................................................................200
8.08 INCORPORATING SHAPES INTO A TITLE........................................................................................................201
8.09 WELDING TITLES IN IMAGINATIVE WAYS ......................................................................................................202

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8.10 STENCILING LETTERS.................................................................................................................................202
8.11 OPEN PATH FONTS (OPF)..........................................................................................................................203
8.12 KNOCKOUT ................................................................................................................................................204
8.13 TITLE CRAWL.............................................................................................................................................205
8.14 APPLICATIONS USING THE SIZING FUNCTION ...............................................................................................206
8.14.1 Sizing Lettering for Particular Fonts..................................................................................................206
8.14.2 Sizing Letters for Welding Inside Rectangles ...................................................................................207
8.15 OTHER TEXT EFFECTS ...............................................................................................................................207
9. SCAL: TRACING AND DRAWING ............................................................................................................... 208
9.01 RASTER VERSUS VECTOR...........................................................................................................................208
9.02 FINDING EASY IMAGES TO TRACE................................................................................................................209
9.03 TRACE FUNCTION.......................................................................................................................................210
9.03.1 Trace Settings...................................................................................................................................210
9.03.2 Monochrome Trace of a Colored Image: Effects of Contrast ...........................................................214
9.03.3 Monochrome Trace of a Silhouette Image: Effects of Smooth.........................................................215
9.03.4 Monochrome Trace of a Detailed Image: Effects of Despeckle and Detail......................................216
9.03.5 Monochrome Trace of a Coloring Book Image: Single Line Threshold and Blackout......................218
9.03.6 Monochrome Trace of a PNG File with a Transparent Background.................................................219
9.03.7 Monochrome Trace for a Print and Cut Application: Effect of Resample .........................................220
9.03.8 Resample Versus Smooth and the High Pass Filter.........................................................................222
9.03.9 Color Layers Trace............................................................................................................................224
9.03.10 Single Color Trace ..........................................................................................................................226
9.03.11 Draw Mask Function .......................................................................................................................229
9.03.12 High Pass Filter Application............................................................................................................232
9.04 DRAW FUNCTIONS......................................................................................................................................234
9.04.1 The Draw Tool...................................................................................................................................234
9.04.2 Freehand Drawing.............................................................................................................................237
9.04.3 Brush Drawing...................................................................................................................................237
9.05 MANUAL TRACING OF AN IMPORTED IMAGE..................................................................................................238
9.05.1 Importing an Image for Manual Tracing............................................................................................238
9.05.2 Manual Tracing Using the Draw Tool................................................................................................239
9.05.3 Editing the Trace...............................................................................................................................240
9.05.4 Using Symmetrical Mirror to Complete the Trace.............................................................................242
10. SCAL: EDITING........................................................................................................................................... 244
10.01 SIMPLIFY .................................................................................................................................................244
10.02 SPLIT PATH..............................................................................................................................................245
10.03 CLOSE PATH............................................................................................................................................247
10.04 JOIN PATHS .............................................................................................................................................247
10.05 PATH OFFSET..........................................................................................................................................248
10.06 ERASER...................................................................................................................................................250
10.07 KNIFE AND CROP......................................................................................................................................251
10.07.1 Using Knife......................................................................................................................................252
10.07.2 Using Crop......................................................................................................................................252
10.08 WHICH CUTTING TOOL TO USE?...............................................................................................................253
10.09 RULER.....................................................................................................................................................254
10.10 THE SHAPE TOOL -PATH AND NODE EDITING............................................................................................256
10.10.1 Moving a Path.................................................................................................................................256
10.10.2 Reshaping a Path ...........................................................................................................................258
10.10.3 Examples of Smoothing Curves......................................................................................................261
10.10.4 Applications for the Shape Tool......................................................................................................262
11. SCAL: DESIGNING ......................................................................................................................................263
11.01 WHERE DO ISTART WITH LEARNING TO DESIGN?......................................................................................263
11.02 PROJECT INFO .........................................................................................................................................263
11.03 GUIDELINES.............................................................................................................................................264
11.04 TEMPLATES .............................................................................................................................................265
11.04.1 Mat Template Window ....................................................................................................................265
11.04.2 Template File Settings ....................................................................................................................267
11.04.3 Importing Your Own Templates ......................................................................................................268

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11.05 SHADOW LAYER.......................................................................................................................................269
11.05.1 Shadow Layer Settings...................................................................................................................269
11.06 BOOLEAN OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................................272
11.06.1 Union...............................................................................................................................................272
11.06.2 Intersection......................................................................................................................................273
11.06.3 Exclude ...........................................................................................................................................274
11.06.4 Front Minus Back............................................................................................................................275
11.06.5 Back Minus Front............................................................................................................................275
11.07 CLIP PATH AND CLIP MASK.......................................................................................................................276
11.07.1 Clip Path..........................................................................................................................................276
11.07.2 Clip Mask ........................................................................................................................................277
11.08 DUPLICATE ROTATED ...............................................................................................................................278
11.08.1 Duplicate Rotated Settings .............................................................................................................278
11.08.2 Using Duplicate Rotated to Design a Wreath.................................................................................280
11.08.3 Using Duplicate Rotated to Design a Frame ..................................................................................280
11.09 OBJECT ON PATH.....................................................................................................................................281
11.09.1 Designing a Scalloped Oval............................................................................................................283
11.09.2 Warp a Shape to a Path..................................................................................................................284
11.09.3 Remaining Settings.........................................................................................................................286
11.10 WRAPPER................................................................................................................................................286
11.11 LATTICE...................................................................................................................................................288
11.12 RHINESTONES..........................................................................................................................................292
11.12.1 Guidelines for Rhinestone Pattern Design......................................................................................292
11.12.2 Rhinestone Outline .........................................................................................................................293
11.12.3 Rhinestone Fill ................................................................................................................................295
11.12.4 Editing Rhinestone Designs............................................................................................................296
11.12.5 Adding an Outline to a Rhinestone Design.....................................................................................297
11.12.6 Using Purchased Rhinestone Fonts and Designs..........................................................................299
11.13 JIGSAW PUZZLE .......................................................................................................................................301
11.14 3D ROTATE .............................................................................................................................................304
11.15 3D EXTRUDE (SCAL PRO ONLY) .............................................................................................................305
11.16 BARREL DISTORTION................................................................................................................................307
11.17 BULGE.....................................................................................................................................................308
11.18 CANNED ..................................................................................................................................................310
11.19 WAVE......................................................................................................................................................311
11.20 BRIDGE WARP .........................................................................................................................................312
11.21 DROP SHADOW........................................................................................................................................313
11.22 QR CODE................................................................................................................................................316
11.23 SYMMETRICAL MIRROR.............................................................................................................................317
12. SCAL: OUTPUT...........................................................................................................................................319
12.01 THE STYLE PANEL....................................................................................................................................319
12.02 PREVIEW .................................................................................................................................................320
12.03 PRINTING.................................................................................................................................................322
12.04 WEEDING (SCAL PRO ONLY)...................................................................................................................324
12.05 TILING (SCAL PRO ONLY) .......................................................................................................................326
12.06 CUT SETTINGS.........................................................................................................................................328
12.06.1 Cut Window Settings.......................................................................................................................328
12.06.2 Presets............................................................................................................................................332
12.06.3 Cut by Color (SCAL PRO only).......................................................................................................333
12.06.4 Tiles (SCAL PRO only) ...................................................................................................................338
12.06.5 Extras (SCAL PRO only)................................................................................................................339
12.06.6 Cut Order (SCAL PRO only)...........................................................................................................341
12.06.7 Layers (SCAL PRO only)................................................................................................................342
12.07 CONTROLLING WHERE SHAPES WILL CUT.................................................................................................345
12.07.1 Overview .........................................................................................................................................345
12.07.2 Origin Point .....................................................................................................................................347
12.07.3 WYSIWYG ......................................................................................................................................349
12.07.4 Center Point....................................................................................................................................351
12.08 PATH DETAILS AND REVERSE PATH ..........................................................................................................353
12.09 LINE FILL .................................................................................................................................................354

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12.10 PIERCE....................................................................................................................................................355
12.11 NEST.......................................................................................................................................................356
APPENDIX A SHORTCUTS AND ICONS IN SCAL5.......................................................................................360
APPENDIX B TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ’S....................................................................................................367
B1 COMMUNICATION ISSUES...............................................................................................................................367
B2 OPERATING ISSUES.......................................................................................................................................368
B3 CUTTING/DRAWING ISSUES ...........................................................................................................................370
B4 SOFTWARE ISSUES .......................................................................................................................................372
APPENDIX C SCAL DETAILS.......................................................................................................................... 375
C1 SCREENSHOT OF SCAL SCREEN...................................................................................................................375
C2 BARS ...........................................................................................................................................................375
C2.1 Menu Bar.............................................................................................................................................375
C2.2 Toolbar ................................................................................................................................................376
C2.3 Projects Bar.........................................................................................................................................376
C2.4 Pages Bar............................................................................................................................................376
C2.5 Status Bar............................................................................................................................................376
C3 PANELS........................................................................................................................................................376
C3.1 Tools Panel..........................................................................................................................................376
C3.2 Properties Panel..................................................................................................................................377
C4 PREFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................377
C4.1 Preferences: General Tab...................................................................................................................377
C4.2 Preferences: Edit Tab..........................................................................................................................378
APPENDIX D ORIGINAL CAMERA CALIBRATION........................................................................................380
D1 CAMERA CALIBRATION PROCEDURE ..................................................................................................380
D2 TWEAKING THE CALIBRATION VALUES............................................................................................................382
D3 DUAL HEAD CALIBRATION .............................................................................................................................384
APPENDIX E ACTIVATING COMMANDS.........................................................................................................388

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1. Introduction and Setting Up
1.00 Quick Reference for This Chapter
•How to download and set up SCAL: Section 1.11
•How to set up communication between a computer and Skycut: Section 1.12
•How to use the control panel: Sections 1.10 and 1.14
•How to adjust the blade holder: Section 1.07.3
•Where to position the pinch wheels: Section 1.09
•The cutting mat is too sticky (or not sticky enough): Section 1.08
•How to use the USB Flash Drive feature: Section 1.12.4
Important Notes:
•Please read Section 1.02 regarding safe operation of the Skycut.
•Report any damage or missing contents to your dealer promptly.
•Retain the original box and packing materials in case you ever need to ship your Skycut.
1.01 Support
•Thank you for choosing a Skycut digital die cutter. Before using a blade in your new cutter, we urge you to
read Chapters 1 and 2 and watch the videos linked in these chapters.
•If you run into difficulties with the operation of your Skycut, turn off the power and look for a solution in this
manual. Note that Appendix B is a Troubleshooting section. If you continue to have technical questions or
issues, please contact your dealer as soon as possible.
•If anything is missing from your order or you have mechanical issues with your Skycut, please contact your
dealer as soon as possible. You can also contact Skycut directly using this email address:
[email protected].
•For additional information and support with the Skycut, please check out the following:
Skycut web site: http://www.sky-cut.com/
Skycut Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/skycutcuttingplotter/
Skycut YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPn5hFLbiRNDgccY8iXwoA
•For SCAL support, please check the list of resources in Section 5.12.
1.02 Safety and Warnings
Please be aware of the following safety guidelines when working with the Skycut:
•Pinch Points: Keep hands, long hair, loose clothing, jewelry, etc. away from the moving parts.
•Risk to Children and Pets: Please supervise children around the cutter when it is in use.
•Movement and Touching: Do not move the Skycut or touch any circuitry while it is plugged in.
•DO NOT touch or jam the plotter’s track while it is operating. If the cutter is damaged, it is the owner’s
responsibility.

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•DO NOT shake the cutter while it is operating.
•DO NOT cut any materials that have staples or other embellishments attached.
•DO NOT touch the cutter with a magnet. It is safe, however, to cut magnetic materials, such as those used
on refrigerators and car exteriors.
•DO NOT allow any liquids to spill into the cutter.
•DO NOT allow small items to fall into the cutter.
•Place the Skycut on a sturdy and stable table, desk, or trolley. The optional Skycut stand can also be used.
•Always turn off the Skycut when not in use. Leaving the cutter turned on for extended periods of time can
possibly damage the machine.
•Always turn off the Skycut before unplugging or removing the power cable from the wall outlet or power
strip.
•Unplug the Skycut from a wall outlet or power strip during an electrical storm or when the cutter will not be
used for an extended period of time.
•Transporting: When transporting the cutter, move the pinch wheel lever into the upward position. Remove
the blade from the blade holder and cover the tip with the plastic cap.
1.03 Warranty
•IMPORTANT! If your Skycut is damaged during shipment or appears to be defective, your dealer should be
notified as soon as possible.
•For additional information regarding your warranty, please refer to your Skycut dealer.
•It is recommended that you retain the original box with packing materials in case you ever need to ship your
Skycut.
1.04 Unpacking
•Verify that you have received all contents. There is a checklist in Section 1.05. Please notify your Skycut
supplier immediately if anything is missing.
•Remove all packaging before turning on the Skycut. Currently, the cutter ships with two end cap foam
protectors, four plastic zip ties, and tape on either end of the cutting strip. Be very careful when removing
the zip ties - only cut those ties and NOT the black cable behind them. Gently remove the tape at the ends
of the cutting strip by rolling the tape away. Do not pull straight up.
•Because the cutting mat must be folded over to fit into the box, it may have become slightly rounded during
shipping. Gently and only partially roll the mat in the opposite direction to remove the roundness and place
on a flat table to make sure the mat now lies horizontally to the surface. Refer to Section 1.08 for additional
instructions on preparing the mat for use.
•Use the enclosed test pen as you experiment and become familiar with operating the Skycut. Place scrap
paper on the mat and simply draw shapes rather than cut them. This will prevent possible damage to the
blade, mat, and cutting strip as you learn where shapes will cut and the basic operating procedures.
1.05 Contents
•Besides the cutter, your box should also contain the following items:

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# Description Image Quantity
1Power cable 1
2USB Cable 1
360° Blade(blue cap) 1
445° Blade(red cap) 2
5Blade Holder 1
6Test Pen and 1 Refill 2 sets
7Cutting Mat 1
8Scoring Tool 1

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1.06 Parts of the Skycut
Front
•Alignment Markers: indicate to the user the available positions for the pinch wheels
•Blade Carriage: moves the Blade Holder Seats left and right
•Blade Holder Seats or Jaws (2 on D models): hold the blade holder, test pen, and other accessories
•Control Panel: used to change settings, set up Wi-Fi, calibrate camera, cut PLT files, and more
•Cutting Strip: protects a blade when cutting backed materials without using a cutting mat
•Front Table: keeps cutting mat supported horizontally
•Grit Shafts (5 on 24” model): allow the pinch wheels to grip the mat or material so they can be moved in and
out of the cutter during cutting
•Pinch Wheels (4 on 24” model): grip the mat or material so that the grit shafts beneath will feed the mat or
material in and out during cutting
•Ruler: for measuring and aligning rolled materials
Right Side
Reset
Button
USB Flash
Drive Port
USB Port
Alignment Marker
Pinch Wheel
Control Panel
Left
End Cap
Right
End Cap
Left-Side Blade Holder
Seat (Left Jaw)
Blade
Carriage
Ruler
Cutting Strip
(lt. gray)
Grit Shaft (dk.
gray and rough)
Right-Side Blade Holder
Seat (Right Jaw)
Front
Table
•USB Flash Drive Port: used to load PLT
files via control panel for cutting
•USB Port: option to connect computer to
Skycut with included USB cable
•Reset Button: used to reset Skycut’s
cutting buffer (does not reset calibrations)

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Left Side:
Back:
1.07 Accessories
1.07.1 Tables (optional)
•The following instructions are for the original table design. If the tables you purchase have brackets that are
not part of the table, please watch this video:
•While the two tables attach onto the cutter and do not require any support, you may prefer to not use them,
especially if you are only cutting rolled materials. However, if you are using the cutting mat, the support they
provide will keep the mat horizontal, thus reducing the chance of the mat drooping and causing materials to
separate from the adhesive on the mat.
•The screws required for attaching are already installed in the Skycut. They will be removed and then, after
aligning the holes in the table, replaced to securely attach the table.
•It’s much easier to install if you have a second person available to hold the tables in place while the screws
are being inserted. It is also helpful to have a flashlight shining on the inside of the tables to better see the
holes for alignment.
•The two tables are identical. Start with either the front or the back of the cutter.
•There are a number of screws mounted on the inside of the end caps. The ones to be removed are the
second and third from the bottom. They are also the only two with washers:
Pinch Wheel Lever
Pinch wheels
Back Table
•Power Port: plug power cable into this port
•On/Off Switch: power cutter on or off
On/Off
Switch
Power Port
•Pinch Wheels (4 on 24” model): grip the mat or material so that the grit shafts beneath
will feed the mat or material in and out during cutting
•Pinch Wheel Lever: raises and lowers the pinch wheels
•Back Table: keeps cutting mat supported horizontally

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•Align the holes in the sides of the table with the holes in the end caps. Note in the following photos how the
flat part of the table is on the outside:
•Insert the screws previously removed through the aligned holes and screw back into place. Then repeat on
the other side of the cutter.
1.07.2 Test Pen
•The test pen should be used until you are comfortable with the operation of your Skycut and know, with
certainty, where images will cut. The test pen should arrive pre-assembled. However, if you want to change
out the insert to the red ink insert, note how the test pen is assembled:
Spring goes over the top of the pen insert
and stops at a small ridge on the insert
Remove these two screws
from right-side end cap
Remove these two screws
from left-side end cap
Flat part is on the outside
Right side
Left side
These are the screws that are
inserted through the holes in the
table and into the end caps

15
1.07.3 Skycut Blades
•There are three kinds of blades that fit inside the Skycut blade holder:
The 450red capped blade is suited for cutting thinner materials such as paper, all cardstock types, heat
transfer vinyl, and wall/auto/decal vinyl.
The 600blue capped blade is a much longer blade and is well-suited for cutting thicker materials, such
as gum paste, craft plastic, craft foam, and rhinestone template material.
Sold separately is the 300yellow capped blade. It is a wide blade and is well suited for cutting fabric,
felt, and tint. It has been reported that it also works well with cardstock that has been exposed to
humidity.
•Note that the red capped blade and blue capped blade have a cutback on the opposing side of the blade
(right side, in the earlier photo). This reduces the blade offset value and allows for better detailed cutting of
small shapes.
•Additionally, there are other tools sold separately, including a stand, an engraving tool and an
embossing/scoring tool. Details on the engraving tool and embosser are covered in Chapter 4.
1.07.4 Blade Installation
•The blade must be carefully inserted into the blade holder. Do this over a soft surface (e.g. over a hand
towel). It’s important to protect the fragile blade! To install, follow the numbered steps as shown:
•The Blade Length (also called Blade Exposure) is how much blade is exposed at the bottom of the blade
holder. For optimal cutting, you want this length to match the thickness of the material or be just a tiny bit
longer.
•When setting the blade length (Step 4 in the prior photo), hold the blade holder up next to the material
before pressing the material to the mat, so that you can more accurately set the length to match the
thickness of the material. For really thin materials, like vinyl and thin paper, just the very tip of the blade will
be protruding from the bottom of the blade holder. In fact, you should just barely be able to feel it with your
fingertip and not be able to see it very well, if at all. Having the blade fully extended will never result in better
Red Blue Yellow
3. Turn the brass ring
counterclockwise until
loosened.
4. Turn the large ring clockwise or counter
clockwise to set blade length to match the
thickness of the material being cut.
5. Turn the brass ring clockwise
until locked back in place.
1. Push in this button
and hold so that a blade
can be inserted OR
removed.
2. Gently insert non-sharp end
of the blade into the holder.
An internal magnet will pull
the blade inwards.
Then release button on top of
holder

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cutting. In fact, it can cause skewing, tearing of the material, damage to the blade, and damage to the mat
or cutting strip.
•A good way to test your blade length is to fold a piece of the material onto itself and then cut a line into the
material by hand. Press firmly but not too hard, as more force will not determine if the blade is set to the
right length. If the blade cannot cut through the material, you will need to extend the blade. If the blade cuts
through the material and cuts into the next layer, you need to retract the blade. If the blade cuts through the
material but does not cut into the layer below, you have the perfect length.
•When conducting a test cut, be sure to check your mat (or the top of a backing sheet) for cut lines after the
test. You should be able to set the length to get clean cuts but with only fine lines or no lines in the mat or
backing sheet. If you do see deep cut lines, retract the blade length ~¼ of a turn counterclockwise. Repeat
your test cut.
1.08 Preparing and Caring for the Cutting Mat
1.08.1 Tips on Using the Cutting Mat
•Always use a mat to hold the material to be cut unless the material has its own protective backing. For
example, vinyl and iron-on transfer both come with a layer that you do not cut. Thus, this backing layer
serves as the carrier for cutting. Paper and cardstock do not have a backing, thus they must be cut on the
mat.
•IMPORTANT! A new mat may be too sticky if you are cutting certain products. This can cause difficulty in
removing cut items without tearing. Place an old but clean bath towel over the surface of the mat and press
with a brayer or rolling pin. Then pull up. Test the stickiness by pressing the palm of your hand in the middle
of the mat and lifting. If the mat remains stuck to your hand, repeat until the mat can still be lifted but will
release. It should only take a few pressings to greatly reduce the stickiness, as tiny (too small to be visible)
fibers from the towel are added to the surface.
•Do not leave the pinch wheels in a down position when the Skycut isn’t in use. This warps the plastic
sooner, shortening the useful life of the cutting mat.
1.08.2 Cleaning and Replenishing the Cutting Mat
•When mats begin to lose their stickiness, they can be washed:
Use a mild dishwashing detergent, warm water, and a soft brush to thoroughly clean the surface. You’re
not trying to scrub the adhesive but just wet the invisible fibers that have been deposited from your
cutting materials and get them released from the glue.
oRinse well, shake off excess water, and place sticky side down onto a bath towel.
oThoroughly dry the non-sticky side of the mat with another towel.
oPull the mat up and the sticky side should now be dry enough for immediate use. Test by making
sure the mat will stick to your hand.
•While washing with soap and water should revive the original adhesive, you can add more adhesive if
necessary:
Mat
Material
Perfect Length Too Long Too Short

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Virtually any repositionable adhesive may be used on the cutting mat. Some of the popular choices
include: Krylon Easy Tack, Aleene's Tack It Over and Over (view the video at the start of this section),
Crafter's Companion Stick and Spray, Zig 2 Way Glue with wide tip, Craft Smart Off 'N On, and Scotch
Repositionable Craft Stick. There’s another spray adhesive, Scotch Super 77, which does not leave a
sticky surface but is excellent for stabilizing paper and cardstock.
If you are cutting thicker materials, such as oil board or styrene, then you may want to experiment with a
stronger adhesive and use painter’s tape to secure the material to the mat. If you are cutting thin paper,
then you may want to experiment with a lighter adhesive.
With most repositionable adhesives, you can control the tackiness based on the amount applied. Thus,
always add a little bit at a time. As mentioned above, if you add too much, just apply a layer or two of
cotton fibers by pressing with a bath towel.
•Other reported methods for cleaning mats:
Use a plastic scraper (an old credit card will suffice) to scrape off any random material pieces remaining
on the mat after a cut.
For finer particles of paper or lint, you can use a lint roller. Tear off a sheet and then press down and pull
up across the surface of the mat to clean in sections. Baby wipes can accomplish the same task.
To completely remove adhesive from the mat, apply Goo Gone, Duck Adhesive Remover, or Avon’s Skin
So Soft Bath Oil across the surface. Allow a minute to soak in and then scrape off with a sharp metal
spatula. Repeat, as necessary until the mat is thoroughly clean and no longer sticky. Wash, dry and then
add any repositionable adhesive.
•When necessary, the rubber wheels and the grit shafts may be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol or Un-Du.
Apply the cleaner to a clean lint-free rag and rub the entire wheel and/or grit shaft until free of adhesive.
1.09 Pinch Wheels
•The pinch wheels can be raised and lowered using the pinch lever located at the back-right side of the
machine. Press down on the lever and the pinch wheels will be raised. Pull the lever up to lower the pinch
wheels so that they can grip the mat or the material inserted in the cutter.
•There is also a small black lever on each individual pinch wheel. When the lever is raised, there is less
downward pressure exerted. IMPORTANT: Only push these small levers down when an extra tight grip is
needed, such as when cutting reflective film or thick chipboard. For normal cutting of most materials, it will
not be required.
•Note that for a pinch wheel to grip properly, it must be positioned over a grift shaft. To facilitate alignment,
note the white rectangles positioned along the horizontal bar behind the blade carriage. Slide the pinch
wheels along the bar, as needed:
Lever is in up position.
This is recommended
for most cutting.
Lever is in down position. Do
NOT use this position except
with certain materials.

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•When using the cutting mat, it is recommended that the material be placed in the middle of the mat and the
mat placed roughly in the middle of the cutter. Then use the second and fourth pinch wheels locations for
two pinch wheels. This keeps the pinch wheels off the material and provides an equal balance while the mat
moves in and out during cutting:
•Note that if your material is very wide, then it is fine to have the pinch wheels over the material. However,
you may need to be extra careful when removing any cut shapes or waste material in those locations.
1.10 Control Panel
•When you first turn power on the Skycut, after several seconds, the following Main Screen or Home
Screen will be displayed:
Wheels should be centered over grit
shafts which are directly below the
white rectangles
Repeat last cut. While cutting, this icon and function changes to
Pause.
Open and cut PLT files from an
inserted USB flash drive
Execute a test cut using current
speed and force settings
Set the desired speed and force.
Toggle the speed for moving the head and
pinch rollers. In slow mode, the icon
changes to:
4 arrow keys for moving the
head left/right and for moving
the pinch rollers
Stop and cancel the
current cut
Change settings
Refer to
1.10.1
Select which head to use
or select Double Head
Middle two pinch wheels
are placed under 2nd
and 4th white rectangles
Pinch wheels are approx. the
same distance from the
outside edges of the cutting
mat

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•Throughout this manual, the functions above will be referenced along with submenus and additional
screens. You will also see the following icons at the bottom of many screens. Pressing the one on the left
will always return you to the Main Screen above. Pressing the one on the right will return you to the prior
window/screen.
1.10.1 Set Screen
•Pressing the Set icon opens the Set Screen which contains access to many functions and settings.
Note the general description and section number (if you wish to learn more about that function now):
1.11 Registering and Installing SCAL
•Sure Cuts A Lot 5 (SCAL) can be downloaded from the following link. Note there are four choices - Mac or
PC and then regular or PRO:
http://www.sky-cut.com/page89?product_id=64
•The additional features in the PRO version are detailed at this link.
•Install the downloaded file and open SCAL. The software will run in DEMO mode for only 15 days unless a
registration is purchased. For step-by-step details on activating SCAL, refer to Section 5.01.2.
•To add Skycut to SCAL, go to Cutter>My Cutter>Manage Cutters and the following window will open:
Go back to Main
Screen/Home Screen
Go back to prior screen
Set up wireless connection to home
or office network: Section 1.12.2
Version numbers, software
selection, reset: Section 1.14.3
Calibrate and use camera for print
and cut applications: Chapter 3
Array setup, Scale, and options for
display and cutter behavior:
Section
1.14.2
Set end-of-cut options: Section
2.06
Settings for: LED, Units,
Language, Screensaver, Alarm:
Section 1.14.2

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•Click on Done to save and close the window. Now, when you are ready to cut, the Skycut can be selected
by going to Cutter>My Cutter.
1.12 Connecting the Skycut to Your Computer
•Place your Skycut on a sturdy horizontal surface. If using the cutting mat, be sure to allow enough free room
in both the front and the back for the mat to extend during cutting.
•Powering On:
Plug the power cord into a wall outlet or power strip. Connect the power cord to the Skycut D on the left
side end cap.
Turn on the power using the power button that is also on the left side end cap. After several seconds,
the light inside the Skycut will turn on and the head will do a slight jog.
•You have four options for connecting the Skycut:
Direct USB uaing the included USB cable
Wi-Fi - adding the Skycut to a home/office network that is also accessed by your computer
Wireless Stand-Alone - connecting wirelessly to your computer
U_Disk - Exporting PLT files from SCAL onto a USB flash drive and then loading those files using the
control panel on the Skycut.
•Review the information in the following table to understand the differences between these options:
4. Click on Done
1. Select the cutter Brand
2. Select the Model
List of cutters
you’ve added
3. Click on Add to list