Top Flite TOPR2420 - Manual (Page 6)

7
CUTTING STRIPES
1. Position the blade over the untaped end of the
MonoKote, about the same distance in as the width
of the shingles. Gently press down on the blade
holder while rotating the roller. Keep turning the
roller until the blade reaches the wood.
2. Remove the scrap MonoKote. Check that the cut
edge on the roller is straight and smooth. Move the
blade holder over 1/8" (4 revolutions of the knob)
and make a test stripe.
3. Remove and examine the test stripe. The edges
should be parallel and straight – if not, try another
cut using less pressure on the blade holder. After a
few practice cuts, you will develop a feel for how
much pressure is enough. With practice (and an
accurately aligned blade) you will be able to cut
1/32" wide panel line stripes with ease.
4. Remember, each revolution of the threaded shaft
knob moves the blade holder 1/32".
REVOLUTIONS STRIPE WIDTH
1 --------------1/32"
2 --------------1/16"
3 --------------3/32"
4----------------1/8"
6 --------------3/16"
8----------------1/4"
12----------------3/8"
16----------------1/2"
Use sharp blades. MonoKote will dull the edge
of a new blade after only a few cuts and, although it
will continue cutting, the stripe edges will be ragged
and the blade won't track straight.
Make sure the blade is fully inserted into the
blade holder, so only the tip of the blade contacts the
MonoKote when cutting.
More than one color of MonoKote can be loaded
at one time. Just stack a couple of colors, then roll them
on tightly. Also, narrower strips of different colors can
be loaded on the roller side-by-side.
Periodically check the fit of the uprights
against the roller. There should be no end-play.
If you get fine "hairs" when cutting narrow
stripes you are: (a) pressing too hard on the blade
holder, causing the blade to flex or (b) the blade is
out of alignment with the roller.
Use sharp blades, light pressure, and tightly
rolled MonoKote for consistently good stripes. A little
practice also helps.
STRIPE APPLICATION
Install a Top Flite Hot Sock™ on your sealing
iron. Set the iron for about one-third less heat than
you use for covering.
In most cases the MonoKote backing will come
off without any help. Position the stripe and tack it
down at one end. Gently pull the stripe taut, close to
the surface you are covering. For straight lines, tack
the stripe down at its other end point. Set the iron
down on the stripe at several points without sliding it
back and forth – just press down. Keep pressing the
stripe onto the surface until the entire length is in
position.
After applying all of the stripes to your model
as described, turn up the heat to your normal
covering setting and seal the stripes to the surface
with a gentle sliding motion, keeping the iron parallel
with the stripe.
When applying wide stripes, tack one end
down; then, while holding the stripe slightly off the
surface, iron it down starting at the tacked end. Keep
working the iron toward the open end. By so doing
you will be squeezing out the air bubbles as you
proceed. If you do get a few air bubbles, prick them
with a needle, then touch them with the iron to expel
the trapped air.