Paper Cutter Maintenance

The rotary paper cutters in the reference and DMS areas require periodic maintenance. Two replaceable parts, the blade assembly and the cutting mat, affect cutting performance (see figure 1 below).

figure 1 - replaceable parts

The blade assembly screws in and out and should be replaced when the blade is dull.

The cutting mat requires the most attention because it wears out much more quickly than the blade. A long thin plastic mat that fits into a slot on the cutter, the mat has four cutting surfaces that can each be used before the mat needs to be discarded (see figure 2).

figure 2 - cutting mat

If you see that the paper cutter is performing poorly, please check the cutting mat and rotate or replace it as necessary. If the mat is fine, then please replace the blade.

Extra mats and blades are in the 2nd floor User Services supply room. If you can't retrieve and replace the part yourself, please let Lynda (for DMS), Gwen or Kristen W know.

Jackie Morton went to extraordinary measures to obtain extra cutting mats. Thank you, Jackie!