I. Cutting Range & Table Size
This is the first question you must clarify. Many customers only tell us the material size, but they don’t understand how tool configuration affects cutting range.
Each tool installed on the head takes up around 100 mm of working width. For example:
- Your material is 1600 mm wide.
- You order a machine with 1600 mm cutting range.
- You also add three tool combinations.
- In reality, each tool now only has 1500 mm effective width.
If you want every tool to cut the full 1600 mm width, you must tell us clearly:
“I require each tool to cover 1600 mm effective cutting width.”
Only then can we increase the beam width during production. If you don’t say this, we will assume only the main tool needs 1600 mm, and you may face serious cutting limitations later.
II. Cutting Thickness & Material Compatibility
Don’t just ask about the maximum cutting thickness. Yes, most machines can handle up to 60 mm. But what about the minimum thickness?
If you only chase maximum thickness, you may end up with a machine that struggles with thin materials. Why?
- To cut thick materials, we increase the beam height.
- But to cut thin materials, we also need a shorter blade stroke.
That means we must design both the beam height and the tool stroke according to your needs.
So, when you talk to us, always tell us:
- What is the thinnest material you need to cut?
- What is the thickest material you need to cut?
This way, we can build a machine that handles both ends properly — not just the thick side.
III. Tool Configurations & Flexibility
Many buyers think more tools mean a better machine. But every extra tool reduces the effective cutting width and increases operating complexity.
The key is not to chase a long list of tools. The key is to match tools with your real production needs.
Also, remember this:
- One tool must be the main tool.
- The main tool sits in the center position of the tool head.
- It has the largest cutting area.
If you don’t specify which tool should be the main one, we will default to placing a standard electric oscillating tool there.
Let me share a real case. An Indian customer bought a machine for asbestos-free gaskets, graphite, and rubber. To cover all materials, we equipped three tools. But he never told us his priority material. We placed the small-power oscillating tool in the center. Later, he told us his main production was asbestos-free gaskets. Unfortunately, that tool couldn’t handle the job. The tool he really needed — the 400W high-power oscillating knife — was placed as a side tool with less range. He had to spend extra time and money to reconfigure the machine.
Lesson: Always tell us which material matters most. That tool should go in the center position.
IV. Cutting Accuracy & Speed
Accuracy directly affects your waste rate and product quality. Speed affects your productivity.
When asking about accuracy, confirm:
- What is the repeatable accuracy of the machine?
- Can it maintain precision over long-term operation?
When asking about speed, don’t only look at the maximum speed listed on paper. Ask:
- What is the practical cutting speed for your material?
- Can the machine balance speed with clean, smooth edges?
Machines that look fast on paper may not give good results in real production.
V. Power & Air Requirements
This is one of the most common mistakes. Many customers forget to tell us their local voltage.
If you share this with us before production, we can:
- Adjust the machine’s electrical system for your country.
- Or configure a built-in transformer.
This way, you don’t need to buy a separate transformer later, and you avoid the risk of machine damage from voltage mismatch.
For buyers using a pneumatic oscillating tool, you must prepare the right air system:
- Continuous input: 0.6 MPA compressed air
- Compressor power: at least 15 KW
- Storage tank: above 0.6 m³
Without this, the pneumatic tool will not work stably.
VI. Maintenance & Consumables
A good machine should be easy to maintain.
Ask these questions:
- What are the main consumables? (Usually blades and cutting mats.)
- How easy is it to replace them?
- What daily maintenance is required?
With oscillating knife machines, maintenance is simple. Usually, you only need to clean the knife base with an air gun each day.
Conclusion
The most common problems in cutting don’t come from the machine itself. They come from unclear communication before purchase.
As engineers, our advice is simple:
- Tell us your material width and length requirements clearly.
- Share your minimum and maximum cutting thickness.
- Identify your most important material so we can set the main tool correctly.
- Confirm your local power and air requirements.
If you ask these questions upfront, you’ll avoid big frustrations later. You’ll receive a machine that fits your real needs, both today and in the future.
