Quick Start

1. Load the sheet

1. Raise the pinch rollers using the lever on the back of the cutter.

2. Feed the material through the machine.

3. Position the material so that both pinch rollers are inside the white guide marks.

4. Make sure the material is reasonably square.

5. Lower the lever to secure the material.

2. Select Piece

• When prompted for the material type, select Piece.

• The cutter will automatically measure the available width and length of the loaded sheet.

3. Set the origin

• Use the arrow buttons to move the cutting head to where you want the design to begin.

• Press and hold ORIGIN to set this position as the new origin.

• The cutter is now ready to receive a job.

Materials

• vinyl rolls are on the side of the cart with the Roald

• stencil sheets are in a drawer in the cart

• specialized vinyl can be found in the Cricut cart

• add cut stencils and half sheets/scraps back to the cart for re-use

Software

Roland CutStudio

CutStudio is Roland's Windows software for preparing and sending designs to the GS2-24.

Install the GS2-24 driver and CutStudio from the: Roland GS2-24 Download Center

Roland recommends installing the software and driver before connecting the cutter by USB.

Inkscape

Inkscape is free, open-source vector drawing software and is recommended for creating and preparing artwork.

Download Inkscape

Use Inkscape to create text and shapes, trace bitmap images, edit paths, and prepare SVG artwork.

Before sending a design to CutStudio, convert text to paths with Path → Object to Path.

Inkscape → CutStudio Extension

We use an unofficial Inkscape extension that transfers SVG artwork from Inkscape to Roland CutStudio.

Inkscape Roland CutStudio extension on GitHub

Follow the instructions on github to install the extension.

Use

1. Prepare your design in Inkscape.

2. Convert text to paths.

3. Select the objects you want to cut.

4. Choose Extensions → Roland CutStudio → Open in CutStudio.

5. Check the size and position in CutStudio before cutting.

The extension converts the SVG artwork into an EPS format that CutStudio can read.

Cut Settings

These are starting points. Always perform a test cut when using an unfamiliar material.

Adhesive Vinyl

Speed: 20 cm/s

Force: 80 gf

The blade should cut completely through the vinyl while leaving the backing paper intact.
If the vinyl does not weed cleanly, increase the force slightly. If the blade cuts deeply into the backing, decrease the force.
After cutting, see Using Transfer Tape.

Stencil Sheets

Speed: 20 cm/s

Force: 400 gf

Stencil materials vary considerably. Perform a test cut before starting the complete design.
Reduce the speed for small text, tight corners, or detailed designs.

Before You Cut

• Make sure both pinch rollers are inside the marked roller areas.

• Select Piece when using an individual sheet.

• Check that the origin is where you expect it to be.

• Check the dimensions of your artwork.

• Make sure the artwork contains only the paths you intend to cut.

• Perform a test cut when using a new material.

More Information

Roland documentation

• GS2-24 Download Center — manuals, software and drivers

• GS2-24 User's Manual

• GS2-24 Installation and Initial Settings

• Roland CutStudio Support & Tutorials

• Roland's CutStudio support area includes the web manual, troubleshooting guides, software-installation information, and instructional videos.

Inkscape

• Inkscape documentation

• Inkscape → Roland CutStudio extension

Additional tutorial

• RIT SHED Makerspace — Roland GS-24 Guide

• The RIT makerspace guide is particularly useful because it documents essentially the same Inkscape → Roland CutStudio workflow used here.