Page 222 - KNK Maxx Groove-e with MTC User Manual
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10.11 Cake Decorating
Here are some ways to use the KNK Maxx in cake decorating (thank you to Rebecca Stewart for providing
most of the following info in this section):
Cupcake wrappers (refer to Section 8.10
Icing sheets: both regular and print and cut
Stencils for airbrushing cakes
Fondant, gum paste, Sugar Veil cut shapes
Templates from thin chipboard to use as patterns when cutting thick layers of gum paste
Icing sheets can be cut on the regular KNK Maxx mat, although it’s a good idea to have one dedicated to
cake use only. The same is true for the blade holder and blade.
Press the icing sheet to the mat, making sure the pinch rollers will not travel over the icing sheet! The plastic
backing on the sheet acts just like the backing on vinyl - cut through just the icing, leave the backing intact.
Peel off the cut and put the leftover sheet back in the bag.
When cutting fondant or gum paste, roll it out and place it on a lightly greased piece of wax paper, and stick
that down on the sticky mat. Whether you cut through the wax paper or not, the wax paper makes it easier
to get the cut shapes off the mat without distorting them. Some people prefer to use shortening applied to a
mat with no adhesive, however, it can be tricky getting the shapes cleanly off the mat.
10.12 Additional Applications
Wood
Cutting wood can be tricky because it is subject to splintering. Stick to very thin pieces of balsa or birch
(1/16” or thinner).
Use a low force and not the typical blade tip height used for other materials, which can increase the chance
of splintering when the blade drops to puncture the wood. Try using 6 Post It notes for setting the blade tip
height.
Tape the balsa to a sticky mat to keep it from shifting during the cut. Also decrease the blade offset so that
corners will be cut more rounded. Use a low speed ~50 or slower.
If you plan to engrave the wood first, use the small end of the Embossing Tool. Unlike the procedure when
embossing or engraving other materials, perform the cut first and then emboss/engrave. If you try
embossing first, the wood can be weakened and made more susceptible to splintering.
Craft Plastic
Craft plastic (PET-G) is sold at a variety of Internet sites, including E-Bay, Dick Blick, Clear Scraps, and
Scrapbook.com. Not only can it be cut on the Maxx, but fold lines can be created using the engraving tip.
The advantage of PET-G is that you can fold these score lines back and forth many times without the plastic
snapping. If you prefer, you can also create fold lines by cutting dashed lines. These also are very strong
and can be folded dozens of times before weakening.
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