Drag Knife

[acourtjester]

Here is a new drag knife I made (pirated from Sean P design) works great simple. I show 2 that I made that have different mountings on the Z plate. Both I can install and leave the torch attached. It is basically a linear bearing with the drag knife holder on a shaft that slides down under its own weight. It has guides that hold the assembly so it will not turn as it is moved around cutting the vinyl. I used a 16mm linear bearing and shaft from Ebay.

[SeanP]

Excellent!
Did you make the cutting arm/shaft to a weight or just what it ended up at?
Haven't had any missed cuts at all on mine with that method, it's very forgiving on uneven surfaces.

[acourtjester]

I think you posted a weight of 110 grams the shorter one is about 180 grams and the other is about 220 but I have not used it yet.

[motoguy]

Pardon my ignorance...I'm absolutely green on vinyl/drag knives, but I'd like to know more. Why the 2 different setups? I see mention of different weights...is that how you control cut depth with the knife? If so, did you come up with the weights based on trial and error, or some other method? Thanks!