Variquest Cutout Maker 1800 User manual

iVariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Cutout Maker 1800

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 ii
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.

iii 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 iv
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:
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
Different types of instructions are labeled with the following symbols (other symbols are also used
in this manual):
•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.

vVariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
•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.
•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 imme-
diately 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 instruc-
tions.
•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.

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 vi
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VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 Table of Contents vii
Table of Contents
Copyright ...........................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks........................................................................................................................ii
Standard Warranty............................................................................................................ iii
Safety Information.............................................................................................................iv
Cutout Maker Features, Accessories and Materials ...................................................... 1-1
Cutout Maker 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
Cutout Maker 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 Package Contents..................................................................................... 3-2
Positioning the Cutout Maker .................................................................................. 3-3
Setting Up the Cutout Maker ......................................................................................... 3-4
Connecting the Power Cord .................................................................................... 3-4
Connecting to the VariquestTM Design Center 1000 or a Personal Computer ......... 3-5
Operating the Cutout Maker ............................................................................................. 4-1
Loading Material on the Cutout Maker........................................................................... 4-2
Typical Operating Sequence.......................................................................................... 4-3
Maintenance ...................................................................................................................... 5-1
Maintenance Summary .................................................................................................. 5-2
Replacing the Cutter Blade ........................................................................................... 5-3
Replacing the Cutting Mat ............................................................................................. 5-7
Oil Gantry Rails............................................................................................................ 5-10
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................6-1
Troubleshooting Process ............................................................................................... 6-2
Troubleshooting Tips................................................................................................ 6-2
Cutout Maker Troubleshooting....................................................................................... 6-3
Cutout Maker Error Codes ............................................................................................. 6-4
Having the Cutout Maker Serviced ............................................................................... 6-5

viii Table of Contents VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
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VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 Cutout Maker Features, Accessories and Materials 1-1
1
Cutout Maker Features,
Accessories and Materials
This chapter provides an overview of the VariQuestTM Cutout Maker1800 features, accessories
and materials.
The chapter contains these sections:
• “Cutout Maker Features” on page 1-2
• “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
VariQuestTM Cutout Maker 1800

1-2 Cutout Maker Features, Accessories and Materials VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Cutout Maker 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 Cutout Maker Features, Accessories and Materials 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 Cutout Maker Features, Accessories and Materials VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Cutout Maker Materials
Use of material other than that specified for use
with the Cutout Maker may result in poor cut qual-
ity and damage to the blade.
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
VariQ u e stTM 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.
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 Cutout Maker Components and Specifications 2-1
2
Cutout Maker Components
and Specifications
This chapter shows the locations of the major VariQuestTM Cutout Maker 1800 components and
provides detailed system specifications.
The chapter contains these sections:
• “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 Cutout Maker Components and Specifications VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
Cutout Maker Components
Perspective View
4
Gantry Cover Open
1
3
2
No. Name
1Gantry
2 Control Panel
3CutterBed
4 Blade Holder Assembly

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 Cutout Maker Components and Specifications 2-3
1234
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
Side View

2-4 Cutout Maker Components and Specifications 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.
1.Load Paper
2.Press GO
3.Smooth Paper
4.Press Go
Status or
Error Messag
e
Here
Shows Status
and
Error Message
1
23
No. 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.

VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 Cutout Maker Components and Specifications 2-5
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
•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. Purchasers may need to independently determine
the suitability of these products for their 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.
Specifications

2-6 Cutout Maker Components and Specifications VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800
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VariQuest™ Cutout Maker 1800 Getting Started 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 Package Contents” on page 3-2
• “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 the VariQuestTM Design Center 1000 or a Personal Computer” on page 3-5

3-2 Getting Started 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.
Verifying Package Contents
After unpacking, verify that all of the following items have been included in the Cutout Maker box:
Foam Packing
Material
Shipping
Container
It is recommend that 2 people
lift the Cutout Maker from
the box due to the weight of
the unit. To avoid personal
injury, use proper lifting
techniques when lifting from
box.
Cutout
Maker
Foam Packing
Material
Cardboard
USB Cable
Electrical Power Cord
Cutout Maker 1800
Maintenance kit
User’s Guide
Cutout Maker 1800