Variquest Cutout Maker 1800 User manual

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User’s Guide
Cutout Maker 1800

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 iii 
Copyright
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be copied or reproduced by any
means without the prior consent of Brady Worldwide, Inc.
While every precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, Brady assumes no liability to any party for
any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or by statements resulting from negligence, accident or any
other cause. Brady further assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of this
document. Brady disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Brady reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any product or system herein to improve
reliability, function or design.
Reproduction of this material, in part or whole, is strictly prohibited without the written permission of Brady
Worldwide, Inc. For more information contact: Varitronics®at 6835 Winnetka Circle, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
55428 USA
Trademarks
Varitronics is a registered trademark of Brady Worldwide, Inc. VariQuest is a trademark of Brady Worldwide, Inc.
All other brand or product names referenced in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies or organizations.

iv VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Standard Warranty
Brady Worldwide, Inc., through its Varitronics®business unit, warrants the equipment and accessories comprising
the VariQuest™ Cutout Maker1800 will be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the
date of customer purchase. Original serial number must appear on product. Removal of serial numbers will void
this warranty and any equipment and accessories that have been altered or modified in any way and are not as
originally purchased will void this warranty.
Varitronics will at its option repair, replace or refund the purchase price of any accessories, supplies or equipment
found to be defective under this warranty. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
In the event of breach of this expressed warranty, or any other warranty, whether expressed or implied, Varitronics
liability shall be limited to the remedy provided by the preceding paragraph. IN NO EVENT WILL VARITRONICS
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, NOR WILL VARITRONICS
EVER BE LIABLE FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS, IN AN AMOUNT GREATER THAN THE
PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED BY THIS EXPRESSED WARRANTY. No agent,
distributor, salesperson, wholesaler or retail dealer has authority to bind Varitronics to any other affirmation,
representation or warranty concerning these goods.
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility Notice)
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du
Canada.

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 v
Safety Information
The instructions in this manual have been labeled with various types of caution and warning messages.
The symbols preceding these messages indicate information that must be followed to avoid damage to property or
injury to users of the Cutout Maker or people in the vicinity of the Cutout Maker.
The degrees of damage or injury that may result from failing to properly follow the instructions in this manual are
classified as follows:
Different types of instructions are labeled with the following symbols (other symbols are also used in this manual):
Caution Warning
Improper use of the Cutout
Maker may result in injury or
damage to property
Improper use of the Cutout
Maker may result in serious
injury or death
• Instructions labeled with this symbol must ALWAYS be followed. An explanatory
illustration will accompany the symbol.
• Instructions labeled with this symbol are warnings against actions that should NEVER
be taken. An explanatory illustration will accompany the symbol.
Warning
• Connect The Cutout Maker to a 120V power source ONLY.
Connecting to a power source of any other voltage may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Do not damage, crease or fold the power cord.
Altering the power cord, placing heavy objects on it or allowing it to become damaged, creased
or folded may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Do not connect the Cutout Maker to a two-way or multiple-way extension cord.
Doing so may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Never insert or remove the power plug with wet hands.
Doing so may result in electrical shock.
• Do not remove the gantry cover or base shroud from the Cutout Maker.
Doing so may result in electrical shock.

vi VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
• Always hold the plug firmly when removing it from the power socket.
Do not simply pull on the cord.
Pulling on the cord to remove the plug from the power socket or applying excessive force when
doing so may damage the cord, which may in turn result in fire or electrical shock.
• If the Cutout Maker overheats, emits smoke, or gives off an unusual odor, turn off the
power switch immediately and remove the plug from the power socket.
If these problems occur, contact your Cutout Maker dealer. Continuing to use the Cutout Maker
after such problems occur, may result in fire or electrical shock.
• If metal objects, water, or other liquids get inside the unit, turn off the power switch
immediately and remove the plug from the power socket.
If this problems occurs, contact your Cutout Maker dealer. Continuing to use the Cutout Maker
after this problem occurs, may result in fire or electrical shock.
• Always be sure the Cutout Maker is properly grounded.
Failing to do so may cause power leakages, which may in turn result in fire or electrical shock.
If for some reason you are unable to ground the unit, contact you Cutout Maker dealer for
instructions.
• Never disassemble or modify the Cutout Maker.
Doing so may result in fire or electrical shock. If the Cutout Maker breaks down, turn off the
power switch, remove the plug from the power socket and contact your Cutout Maker dealer.
Warning

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 vii 
Table of Contents
Copyright ......................................................................................................................i-ii
Trademarks ..................................................................................................................i-ii
Standard Warranty ...................................................................................................... i-iii
Safety Information .......................................................................................................i-iv
Table of Contents...............................................................................................................1-1
Features, Accessories and Materials............................................................................... 1-1
-Features .................................................................................................................... 1-2
•System Accessories .................................................................................................. 1-3
•Cutout Maker Materials ............................................................................................. 1-4
• VariquestTM Cutout Maker Paper Classifications ................................................ 1-4
• Determining Classifications for Unspecified Paper Types .................................... 1-4
Components and Specifications ...................................................................................... 2-1
•Cutout Maker Components ....................................................................................... 2-2
• Perspective View .................................................................................................. 2-2
• Side View .............................................................................................................. 2-3
• Control Panel ........................................................................................................ 2-4
•Specifications ............................................................................................................ 2-5
Getting Started ................................................................................................................... 3-1
-Unpacking and Positioning the Cutout Maker ........................................................... 3-2
- Unpacking the Cutout Maker ................................................................................ 3-2
- Verifying Packaging Contents ............................................................................... 3-3
- Positioning the Cutout Maker ................................................................................ 3-3
-Setting up the Cutout Maker ..................................................................................... 3-4
- Connecting the Power Cord .................................................................................. 3-4
3.Connecting the Cutout Maker .................................................................................. 3-5
3. Connecting to a VariQuest™ Design Center 1000 ............................................. 3-5
3. Connecting to a Personal Computer ................................................................... 3-6
Operating the Cutout Maker.............................................................................................. 4-1
•Loading Material ........................................................................................................ 4-2
Note:Typical Operating Sequence ............................................................................. 4-3
Note: Operating Example ........................................................................................ 4-3
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 5-1
9.Replacing the Cutting Mat ....................................................................................... 5-7
Note: Oil Gantry Rails ........................................................................................... 5-10
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................6-1
•Troubleshooting Process .......................................................................................... 6-2
• Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................ 6-2
•Cutout Maker Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 6-3
• Troubleshooting ................................................................................................... 6-3
4.Cutout Maker Error Codes ...................................................................................... 6-4
3.Having the Cutout Maker Serviced .......................................................................... 6-6

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VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 1-1 
1
Features, Accessories and Materials
This chapter provides an overview of the VariQuestTM Cutout Maker1800 features, accessories and materials. The
following information is contained in this chapter:
• “Features, Accessories and Materials” on page 1-1
• “System Accessories” on page 1-3
• “Cutout Maker Materials” on page 1-4
- ““VariquestTM Cutout Maker Paper Classifications” on page 1-4
- “Determining Classifications for Unspecified Paper Types” on page 1-4
VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800

1-2 VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Features
• The Cutout Maker is designed to allow even first-time users to quickly produce high quality cutout shapes
from sheets of construction paper and other available materials.
• You can easily create single or multiple cutouts using VariQuestTM Design Center Software.
• A two-button control panel with an LCD display is provided for controlling the Cutout Maker and displaying
status and error messages.
• Choose from a variety of types and sizes of materials. VariQuestTM Design Center Software provides
automatic setup selections for fonts, shapes and collections.
With the VariQuestTM Cutout Maker and VariQuestTM Design Center Software,
you can produce cutout shapes in every imaginable design.

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 1-3 
System Accessories
The Cutout Maker comes with a Maintenance Kit that contains:
• Blades (5-pack)
• Blade/Chad Removal Tool
• Tweezers
• Tool Storage Pouch
Upon completion of the registration form, the customer will receive a 20-credit Shape CD.
Cutout Maker Maintenance Kit

1-4 VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Cutout Maker Materials
There is no direct correlation between paper weight and the classification of paper as “light weight” or “heavy
weight” among manufacturers of construction paper. Due to the large variation of paper classifications, VariquestTM
Cutout Maker Paper is defined as listed below.
VariquestTM Cutout Maker Paper Classifications
• Light construction paper: 40-50 lbs.
• Heavy construction paper: 60-80 lbs.
• Cold laminated light construction paper: 40-50 lbs. light construction paper + the VariQuestTM Cold Laminator
1200's dual-sided laminate.
• Cold laminated heavy construction paper: 60-80 lbs. heavy construction paper + the VariQuestTM Cold
Laminator 1200's dual-sided laminate.
• Cardstock: 80-100 lbs.
• Bond (copier) paper: 20 lbs.
Determining Classifications for Unspecified Paper Types
Refer to the following tables to determine the paper weight for unspecified paper types. These tables will help
determine if you have light or heavy construction paper. Weight measurements are determined by a scale based
on number of sheets and size of paper.
Use of material other than that specified for use
with the Cutout Maker may result in poor cut
quality and damage to the blade.
Light Weight Construction Paper
9"x12" 12"x18" 18"x24" 24"x36"
100 sheets 1-1.3 lbs 2-2.5 lbs 4-5 lbs 8-10 lbs
500 sheets 5-6.3 lbs 10-12.5 lbs 20-25 lbs 40-50 lbs
Heavy Weight Construction Paper
9"x12" 12"x18" 18"x24" 24"x36"
100 sheets 1.5-2 lbs 3-4 lbs 6-8 lbs 12-16 lbs
500 sheets 7.5-10 lbs 15-20 lbs 30-40 lbs 60-80 lbs

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 2-1 
2
Components and Specifications
This chapter shows the locations of the major VariQuestTM Cutout Maker 1800 components and provides detailed
system specifications. The following information is contained in this chapter:
• “Cutout Maker Components” on page 2-2
- “Perspective View” on page 2-2
- “Side View” on page 2-3
- “Control Panel” on page 2-4
• “Specifications” on page 2-5

2-2 VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Cutout Maker Components
Perspective View
No. Name
1 Gantry
2 Control Panel
3CutterBed
4 Blade Holder Assembly
1
2
3
Gantry Cover Open
4

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 2-3 
Side View
No. Name
1 USB Cable Receptacle
2 AC Power Cord Receptacle
3 DC Power Supply Fuse (2 Amp)
4 OFF (0) ON (1) Power Switch
123
4

2-4 VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Control Panel
The control panel provides buttons to manually start and stop cutter operation. Pressing the GO button starts the
cutter when all the software selections are completed and the LCD display indicates a "Ready" condition exists.
Pressing the stop button retracts the cutter blade and pauses the cutter operation. Pressing the GO button restarts
the cutter operation from the point at which it paused. Pressing the stop button a second time without pressing the
GO button clears the cutter operation, retracts the cutter blade and sends the cutter blade back to the home
position.
The LCD Display shows the status of the operation underway and/or shows the error that caused the operation to
stop.
Nol Name Description
1 Message display Lists cut job status (cutting, pause, error, etc.). Shows the options currently
selected. Displays error messages and instructions.
2 “STOP” button Pauses the cut job currently in process. Pressing “stop” while a job is paused
cancels the job.
3 “GO” button Starts the cut job selected.
1
23

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 2-5 
Specifications
Cutout Maker 1800
Technical Data Sheet
Output
• Maximum cutout size: 11-1/2” x 17-1/2”; up to 2’ x 3’ when tiling
• Minimum scrap size: 4” x 6” (101.6 mm x 152.4 mm)
Machine
• Display: 4 line, 16 characters LCD graphical display"
• Cutting speed: up to 6” per second (simple shapes)
• USB port: 1
• Dimensions: 33” W x 21.5” D x 12.5” H
• Weight (machine only): 41.4 lbs
• Weight (machine in its package): 55 lbs
• Ability to cut as well as perforate construction paper
Materials
• Materials
• Types of materials tested & qualified: Construction paper, cold laminated construction paper, "
• cardstock, and bond paper"
• Sizes of materials: standard construction paper 9”x12” (228.6 mm x 304.8 mm) and
• 12” x 18” (304.8 mm x 457.2 mm); other standard size: 8-1/2”x11” (215.9 mm x 279.4 mm)
Electrical Characteristics
• Input current: 1.7 Amps
• Input voltages: 100-240 VAC
• Input frequency: 50-60 Hz
• Max Output Power: 100 W
• Interface: USB
Environmental Characteristics
• Operational requirements: ambient temperature 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C);
• relative humidity: 20%-80% (non-condensing)
• Storage requirements: ambient temperature 0°F to 140°F (18°C to 60°C);
relative humidity: 10% - 95% (non-condensing)
Agency Approvals
• UL, CUL Listed to UL/CSA 60950-1:2003"
• Meets FCC – CFR 47, part 15, Subpart B, class A emissions limit"
• Meets Canadian standard ICES-003, Issue 4:2004, class A emission limits"
Other
• Manufactured in the USA
The information provided in this Technical Data Sheet indicates performance under normal conditions. It is intended only as a
source of information without guarantee and does not constitute a warranty. Purchases may need to independently determine
the suitability of these products fortheir specific purpose.
All brand or product names used on this sheet are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or
organizations. As part of our continuous improvement, we reserve the right to change this Technical Data Sheet without notice.

2-6 VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
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VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 3-1 
3
Getting Started
This chapter provides instructions for unpacking and setting up the VariQuestTM Cutout Maker 1800. Keep this
guide near the Cutout Maker so it can be available for reference.
The chapter contains these sections:
• “Unpacking and Positioning the Cutout Maker” on page 3-2
- “Unpacking the Cutout Maker” on page 3-2
- “Verifying Packaging Contents” on page 3-3
- “Positioning the Cutout Maker” on page 3-3
• “Setting up the Cutout Maker” on page 3-4
- “Connecting the Power Cord” on page 3-4
- “Connecting to a VariQuest™ Design Center 1000” on page 3-5
- “Connecting to a Personal Computer” on page 3-6

3-2 VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Unpacking and Positioning the Cutout Maker
Unpacking the Cutout Maker
The Cutout Maker and accessories are packed in a cardboard carton with foam padding for protection during
shipment. Carefully unpack the items and keep the packing materials. If you need to ship the Cutout Maker in the
future, repack the system as shown below.
WARNING
Due to the weight of the unit, we recommend that 2 people lift the
Cutout Maker from the carton. To avoid personal injury, use proper
lifting techniques when removing the Cutout Maker from the carton.
Cardboard Cover
Packing Foam
CM1800
Foam Cradle
Shipping Container
End Cap (rear)
End Cap (front)
Blade Assembly Foam
Gantry Rail Foam

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 3-3 
Verifying Packaging Contents
After unpacking, verify that all of the following items have been included in the Cutout Maker box:
Positioning the Cutout Maker
To ensure proper functioning of the Cutout Maker on a work space, allow adequate space around the system as
shown below.
Electrical Power Cord USB Cable
Maintenance Kit
Cutout Maker 1800
Cutout Maker 1800
User’s Guide
2 in / 51 mm 2 in / 51 mm
2 in / 51 mm
2 in / 51 mm