cutting vinyl questions

[creative designs]

I love the SCAL program but I have noticed with it the circuit does not cut in order it will jump from one side of the word or design and than go to the other. Does anyone know why?
It does not always cut the whole letter/design. It seems to leave a little tag piece. Not a huge deal I use a knife as I'm weeding but just didnt understand why. When I use the cartridges it cuts all the way.

My last question that I really would love an answer to. When I cut vinyl the edges of the design has tiny ripples almost like the blade pulls it a little while cutting. What do I need to change to make this stop (pressure, speed) It is a new blade so it should not be dull. It is not ripping it and not very noticeable but I would like a cleaner cut. Any suggestions?

Thank you for everyones help!

[Rachell]

I use blade 2 pressure 3 speed 3 also some times multi cut of 2 . it really depends on how it reads the order of the nodes

[DogCarbon]

I think the SCAL program looks for the first node of the design, and cuts that entire shape first, then it goes back to the top of the document and finds the next node that it has not cut, searching from left to right from where it last started, then top to bottom, and cuts the that next shape. and it continues this pattern until the image is complete.

Does that make sense?

so even tho it seems to be cutting all over, it really does follow a pattern.

As for the "tags", I think that depends on the font, image. It seems to be a predictable thing (same letter for a font) and repeats at the same place for each image. I think some fonts are better for cutting than others, but that is just trial and error. I also think it thas to do with the limitations on the Cricut, as it can only turn the blade so fast, and maybe playing with the speed may help. SCAL has a speed setting.

[creative designs]

Thank you for the responses. Still trying to figure out the ripples on the edge. If anyone knows please let me know. I have my blade at 4 pressure and speed set on Med.

[TheresaTT]

4 pressure seems to hard, i think. your blade may be dragging. it takes very little to cut vinyl - IMO. i usually have my settings on 3 or less. also i think it depends on each machine a little. my settings may not be your settings and so forth.

[talanhart]

I agree about 4 being too much. I use Blade setting of 3 and pressure of 3.

Some people here have complained about buying new Cricut blades and there were dull from day 1. You might have a bad blade.