Cutting Through The Complexity

Hunt suggests that in-plant managers buy slightly more machine than they think they'll need. "Buy ahead of yourself, because a cutter is a long-term investment," says Hunt. "Don't skimp, especially on safety features."

A cutting machine's throat capacity should slightly exceed the largest sheet one anticipates cutting, Hunt points out. Furthermore, the machine's cycle capacity should match the needs of the shop. Hunt also favors a small machine that leaves as small a "footprint" as possible.