Modern patented spacing devices for the rapid duplication of exact widths in succession, while the machine runs continuously without stopping between cuts, have been perfected so as to enable, on some classes of work, one cutting machine to do the work of six and still obtain accuracy. These spacing devices operate the back gage through a chain or a screw or a gear by means of a lever driven by hand or by power between accurately set stops fixed for any desired width, and thus eliminate the time ordinarily lost measuring the width for each cut.
Among other conveniences on the large modern cutters two starting levers, one at each side of the machine, or a starting bar extending across the front, save several motions at each cut.
A flat piece of metal, called a clamp face, which may be quickly attached to the under side of the fingered clamp, is used to prevent these fingers marking soft or delicate finished stock.
A snake gage is a folding lattice used in front of the back gage of a solid wide face clamp machine to enable the back gage to push the pile up nearer the knife.
For large pamphlets or magazines an extra clamp attached behind the regular clamp to hold the back of the pile down gently by spring pressure will prevent the sheets springing up and away from the back gage, caused by the folds and air between the sheets.
A plate attached to the machine with hooks upon which to hang the wrenches is provided upon the most modern machines and this helps the operator to keep them together and in order.
Guards covering the gearing, knife edge, pulleys, flywheel and other moving parts are required by many state laws, and power cutting machines are, therefore, so designed and furnished complete.
Application of Power
There are five methods of applying power necessary to operate paper cutters: by hand lever, by belt, by direct gearing, by chain and sprocket, and by direct connection of electric motor.