If it is found that the green cursor on the start of cut gauge has come to the end of its adjustment range (image 1) it is more than likely due to either a blade depth issue or loose components within the cutting head.

Note: Drawings are of the Ultimat Futura but the same instructions can be used for the Ultimat Gold.

Grip the Slideblock (central part of the cutting head red in image), firmly placing finger and thumb at each end try to rock, lift and twist it in all directions except for its normal sliding motion. If any loose movement is found refer to the adjustment instructions

Ultimat Futura – How to adjust the cutter head slide bearings >
Ultimat Gold – Section 5.4 of the Ultimat Gold Manual >

Still gripping the slideblock, take hold of the bevel blade holder (green in image) and move it in all directions other than its normal rotation.

If any looseness is found use a 10mm spanner (wrench) to tighten the nut on the face of the blade holder (See action 2). Turn the nut clockwise only until the looseness is removed, do not over tighten.

To make sure the start of cut extrusion (blue in image) is secure, first check the near end of the extrusion is flush with the end of the slideblock (red in image) and secondly, check there is no loose movement between it and the slideblock.

Any loose movement can be removed by tightening two grub screws:

• Point 3 – Remove the blade cartridge and slightly depress the vertical blade holder to obtain access to the near screw for the Allen key.
• Point 4 – The second Allen screw is accessible with the blade holder in the rest position.

Firstly take the slip mat out of the machine and check the blade is not cutting all the way through, it should only be cutting about half the thickness of the slipmat. If not, adjust and recalibrate.

Secondly. check to see if the blade depth looks correct. Do this by following this procedure:

1. Place the slipmat and matboard in the machine as for normal cutting.
2. Slide the cutter head towards the edge of the matboard.
3. Depress the blade holder fully to penetrate into the slip mat at a point close to the top edge of the matboard.
4. Inspect the amount of blade penetration into the slip mat, it should be 0.5 – 1mm

If the blade seems to set far too deep but it is only just cutting through the mat it means the blade is bending when making the cut. This is usually because one of these next two reasons:

If using a Tech S blade, it is probable the blade has been inserted the incorrect way round and the cutter calibrated accordingly.

This will promote extreme blade bending and once corrected and recalibrated it should bring the start of cut adjustment back towards its mid point. To make sure the blade is inserted correctly use the image and following tip.

TIP: Before cutting check the blade tip, you should be able to see the ground edge of the blade, if you see the flat face of the blade it is in the wrong way round.