How to Change the on Knife Challenge 305 Guillotine Paper Cutter

[@bearpump]

I’ve been around cutters since 1980. Cutter blades still give me the willies!

[@justaprinter]

LOL, same.

[@jesse818]

yup, I feel same

[@JayZoop]

They are like Katana swords.

[@vkjnrokis]

I see you have holes drilled additionaly..

[@sar2908]

Yeah, I never enjoyed doing a blade change. Anxiety would stop me getting complacent, so never had an incident.

[@lawrence5039]

I guess I've done that 100 times on the same cutter. IN the beginning, back in 1985 when this cutter became available, the steel blade was not durable and needed sharpening at least 1x a month. Then it gradually changed to 1x a year, and only because we were speechless and felt it should be changed!!. They called this blade high-speed steel. Our cutter came with 3 blades, and the 2nd one also. We never interchanged blades... and we used both about 6 hours a day. All fully loaded and possibly the best bindery equipment purchases we ever made. Good teaching video Dan.

[@justaprinter]

Thanks, yup the cutter is used a lot!

[@tomtresohlavy3155]

OMG! I'm addicted to your channel. I'm a 30 year ex printer (well, once a printer always a printer) of offset and digital. Changing a cutter blade was my favorite thing to do. You are spot on with the safety aspect of the change. The bare edge shouldn't see more than 2 seconds of free air as it goes into the cradle. It looks like you used cover stock to set the blade. I always used 80# gloss text. Don't know if it makes a difference, but I do like hearing the snap. Thanks for you channel and keep it going.

[@justaprinter]

Welcome to the channel! And thanks for sharing. I enjoy hearing from all the viewers!

[@darreollmooney6881]

@Just A Printer, yup, that first cut with a fresh blade always nice. 1 thing I did before inserting a fresh blade- I waxed both sides (with a car wax) to remove any residue from the sharpening process so it didn't drag through what ever I was cutting. Also used #20 strips of scrap for the adjustment, put 1 dead center in case of a warped stick. Man, I sure miss the trade. Kudos to you running your shop alone, neat, efficient and well laid out. Looks like you've got a great customer base !!!

[@justaprinter]

Thanks, I am pretty lucky. Good idea on cleaning the blade before hand. I often see a bit of residue on the first large stack I cut.

[@jamiheinricher4477]

This is great. I just acquired a 1995 Challenge 305 MC with Microcut Jr... a huge upgrade from my old Challenge 305 with a hydraulic retrofit and a screw clamp. Instructions will help me get this perfect the moment we get it wired up.

[@justaprinter]

Awesome, glad to help!

[@pinkindylaura]

Bless you! I have been struggling trying to figure out how to get the blade back in to a Multi 2020. This was close enough to get me there and get it done!!!

[@JoCuervo]

Your video has been very helpful. I work in a printing shop and we have a model just like this. It’s good to see the steps on how it’s properly done.

[@justaprinter]

Glad to help!

[@MFJTusk]

Great video, thank you! The sweet sound of a sharp blade 🙌🏼😁🙌🏼

[@CezarPopescu]

For moments like 10:34 i really love your work. Thanks for sharing it, Dan!

[@justaprinter]

Haha! You bet!

[@robit28]

Hi Dan, I came accross your videos by accident, looking for information on my next digital press purchase. Must say I am hooked! I too am a single person operation over here in Australia and like you am still excited about print. I am 46 years old and started my offset printing apprenticeship when I was 17 (how the industry has changed since then). Keep up the videos, you will find a growing audience due to your easy style of presentation. I might get the camera out and do a quick print shop tour myself one of these days. I am currently looking at the KM C3070 and the Ricoh C7200, I currently own a KM C1060 so the Konica would be the obvious choice but need to make sure I look at all options. Keep the videos coming, I will spread the word in Oz! Regards, Robert.

[@justaprinter]

Thank you! Glad you found the channel, I'll try not to let you down!

[@elleryharvey5323]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this too. I’m just getting my commercial shop started (I’ve been a letterpress, offset, and digital printer lol my life), and now I’m trying to source a digital press and looking for resources (new? Used? Leased?). I’d love to hear about your process of sourcing equipment.

[@kellywillauer1059]

Good job. I have changed over 5000 blades in my life time. Bindery Doctor

[@justaprinter]

Thanks!

[@StudioBatch92]

Hello I like what you are doing same as here. Thanks for sharing information.

[@justaprinter]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy!

[@produceking71]

Love that sound. She is running great.

[@justaprinter]

I know, I like that old cutter!

[@warrensprintshop5209]

Very cool channel. Nice to see someone doing this.

[@justaprinter]

Thanks! Glad to see you are making videos too!

[@eddiekulp1241]

I sharpened many of these blades as a tool and cutter grinder. They were simple compared to most work I did

[@rajaaitimad2042]

Im cutting here in taiwan but i like your cutter so cute 😅

[@justaprinter]

Yay! Thank you!

[@hoaxuan4336]

Thanks for sharing your work!

[@justaprinter]

You bet!

[@jogeshwarsandhu4472]

Thanks. This video helped a lot.

[@justaprinter]

Awesome! Glad it helped, thats what I made it for.

[@elleryharvey5323]

Can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to train people on this. Next time I’ll just forward this link!

[@vkjnrokis]

Hi Dan, maybe you have a hint why printed backside of paper gets a little rubbed? changed blade to even new and the cut sticker also.. you dont notice until you have cuts with gloss paper and with color bleeds..

[@robertsalvini1]

I have a problem with my Challenge 23" MB cutter, I ran out of hydraulic fluid and when I put more in, still not working right, slow and sluggish, I think there is air in the lines. Is there a way to bleed the air or get the fluid up to where it should be?

[@justaprinter]

Air should bleed out automatically. It might be possible that the hydraulic pump was damaged. Replace the filter too and ensure the proper weight of oil was used. You can download the manual from their website.

[@anouersallem5153]

nice job you do can you tell the size of box you use for packaging Books and the business cards

[@justaprinter]

You bet, that will be in the next video.

[@anouersallem5153]

Thank you very much i am happy about it

[@pondorbox]

Since how many years are you running this cutter ? If you ever come to buy a new one, which paper cutter will you go with ? For industrial use Polar Mohr's are now the best ones but there is a US paper cutters brand called Prism which are amazing too.

[@justaprinter]

We have probably had this cutter for about 20 years and spent next to nothing on maintenance. I would likely get another 30.5 Challenge, I'm very happy with their equipment and have local service if needed. I used a Perfecta in college and liked that too but I don't have room for one. I would agree that Polar seems to have their act together too.

[@HenryLoenwind]

Have you seen the videos by the hydraulic press channel that show what happens when you "cut" a stack of paper with a "maximum dull knife" (i.e. a flat piece of metal)?

[@justaprinter]

I have not seen that video. But I have enjoyed other hydraulic press videos. So fun!

[@cabinlife1886]

My adjusting screw seems to be either cross threaded or fused in place. I’m afraid to wrench on it and break it. What do I do?

[@justaprinter]

Hmm, maybe soak it with PB Blaster. If that doesn't work, heat it up with a torch for a bit.

[@hafiddahri]

Hello, how are you? Please, I have a question. I have one hand. Is it possible to use it by hand?

[@justaprinter]

You should be able to if you can somehow press the one button with your hip and the other button with your hand. But it would be very dangerous for someone with two hands to operate your altered machine.

[@liviuc1946]

Do you get to adjust the back fence to be parallel with the knife? How often would you say?

[@justaprinter]

Not that often, I'd say every 5- 10 years, when I notice slop in the fence. As long a your keep the gibs greased there should be little to no wear.

[@PaulMacklinAmazing]

My wife has a Sunray 433P that she uses for book binding. She recently changed the blade with reference to your video, thanks. Her problem is that she can’t reset the “warning knife change” alarm. Could you please recommend a course of action or any one who might know or be of assistance? Thanks

[@justaprinter]

Good question. The user manual should let you know how to reset it. Probably need to press a sequence of buttons.

[@micahharman1493]

Suggestion. Get a 9/16 racheting wrench for doing the blade adjustment

[@justaprinter]

Thats a great idea, I'll have to do that.

[@produceking71]

Ever put a sheet of paper under the cut stick to correct low spots if you have any?

[@justaprinter]

Yup, there is currently paper under the entire stick to raise it up and make it flush with the top of the table.

[@BENTAMEUR_Mohamed]

I am negotiating a click charge for digital press, at what inking rate do you recommend ?

[@justaprinter]

I don't calculate ink coverage. I determine cost per click by dividing total consumable costs by total clicks.

[@BENTAMEUR_Mohamed]

how often do you change the blade pls ?

[@justaprinter]

Just depends on how much cutting you do, I typically have it sharpened every 4-6 months.

[@robertphillips93]

A high volume shop might need a fresh knife every week or two. More swaps = more opportunities for mistakes. So, one minor change in procedure is worth considering -- after the knife is lowered into the stick and the pump is off, before any other steps are taken to remove the dull knife, the depth-of-cut screws should be backed off the appropriate distance. Doing this as soon as possible makes it much less likely that interruptions or any other Influence will result in the forgetting of this very important step!

[@justaprinter]

Good point! I like it, I'll be changing the knife soon so I'll do that. Thanks!

[@leegarrett5346]

very cool video, big fan - does anyone have resources on where to Wax and Oil a guillotine machine? i inherited one and i want to maintain it properly

[@justaprinter]

My dad used car wax back in the day. I don't bother, normal use keeps it clean.

[@sarahwalsh3807]

I had a question about the challenge 305 and was wondering what you thought. I'm considering buying this same machine but I've discovered that Challenge no longer backs any of there machines with Parker valve systems. And in fact suggest they suggest that any of these older machines be scrapped. People selling these things like they are going out of style LOL. To me it all sounds bogus considering that they base it all on one incident that a cutter failed and cut off his fingers. Can you give me any advice or provide a resource that could give me an honest opinion on these machines. Also, my name is Patrick. I accidently used my wives account lol. Thanks!

[@justaprinter]

It's up to your risk tolerance. My old cutter had parker valves and I would still be using it without hesitation today if I didn't upgrade. Challenge has to tell your to scrap the cutter for legal reasons.

[@lawrence5039]

@@justaprinter Challenge quit stocking parts for equipment over 30 years old for this specific cutter. Our vendor couldn't get any parts for us from Challenge. I called Challenge, and couldn't get parts from them either. Ouch.

[@markdashner6461]

We have polar straight knives. You should look at their blade changing brackets they have. Makes it easier to not nick the blade on the way out. You only have to lower the blade maybe 2” to the bracket.

[@justaprinter]

Cool, I'll look that up.

[@gnutelliums]

Would it not be safer to rotate the cutting stick while there is no blade installed? Seems like there's still a chance your hand could slip and end up catching the bottom of the blade when you're trying to pry the stick out.

[@justaprinter]

It is safe either way. The clamp is lower than the blade.

[@kroky80]

I always change the stick before i put the new knife in.

[@lawrence5039]

Each stick has 8 different cutting spaces....remove and rotated it 8X then replace it with a new cutting stick. No need to remove the blade each time to rotate the cutting stick for safety reasons at all.

[@sahajdigitalservicecentre7799]

thank u Sir

[@Archi891]

Thanks!!

[@justaprinter]

You bet!

[@westfield90]

I’ve never understood this machine. How do you perfectly cut all the sheets to be exactly the same size? How are Crop marks on sheets aligned how to the machine? If it’s just a visual alignment isn’t that inaccurate?

[@justaprinter]

There is a light that shines a thin line that shows you where the knife will cut. You then just align the crop mark with the light and cut.

[@guymergd]

I had a 305, makes me nervous just watching you change it. Only thing i did different was i took the bolts out and left the handles loose and then let the blade carrier hold go back up, leaving the blade behind.

[@tassie7325]

Having been here for just a few episode I have to ask - Did you start your YT channel so that you have someone to talk to? 😊

[@justaprinter]

Haha, I started to educate and entertain others. I work with several others and lots of customers. Talking to people is something I do all day. :)

[@kellywillauer1059]

Check for edge bow and flat bow

[@justaprinter]

Will do!

[@alejandrocampos9218]

You just save my fingers. I was going to do it all wrong.

[@justaprinter]

Wonderful! Thats why I made this video.

[@produceking71]

Had to change the blades on my cutter last week. It was a little sketch for a moment. Potentially very dangerous.

[@justaprinter]

Agreed, I always feel uncomfortable when changing knives!

[@anouersallem5153]

sharppen the knife at 24° angel to add more life to the knife

[@justaprinter]

Good to know, I'll have to let my sharpening guy know. I'd love to get a straight knife grinder so I could sharpen it myself!

[@agtgs6872]

Why dont you replace cutting stick before put the blade 😅

[@justaprinter]

Haha, silly!

[@daleatkinson3453]

Your cutter is a littler easier to change. We have a Challenge 42" the blade length is 52 inches. It's heavy. Like some one else said changing the blade give me the willies. To me it's the most dangerous job in the shop.

[@justaprinter]

Agreed! I always take my time whenever I do this!

[@kellywillauer1059]

Knife drawn

[@justaprinter]

Yes, thats right!

[@ossamahanin8385]

indeed that's sweet hhhh

[@justaprinter]

Thanks!

[@kellywillauer1059]

Knife draw

[@justaprinter]

Thats what its called!

[@kellywillauer1059]

Wear kylar gloves

[@justaprinter]

Good idea!

[@papadop]

I sweat whenever I watch you use this machine. Yikes.

[@justaprinter]

I only seat when I change the blade. The machine is very safe.