M A Series III Clicker Q and A
Q: What thickness can I cut?
A: You can reliably cut at least 10 mm in thickness. In some foamy or softer materials, you may achieve up to 15 mm.
Q: How often should I service the machine?
A: For most users, a few drops of oil once a week is all the servicing the M A Series III requires.
Q: Why does the machine head appear not parallel with the base?
A: The machine is intentionally designed with a small “toe down” angle, as all swing-head presses are.
This toe down helps cut difficult materials that require extra pressure.
Even the strongest press has some flex; toe down ensures the cutting action works effectively.
Multi-post presses (not swing-head types) are designed to be parallel.
If we made the head perfectly parallel, many users would find it less effective for medium-to-heavy cutting tasks. Our carefully set toe down is the best balance for most applications.
If you are cutting very lightweight, easy-to-cut products and prefer a parallel head:
Pack the rear underside of the cutting board with thin card (e.g. 200 gsm).
Use 2 layers at the back third, 1 layer in the middle, and none at the front.
Always keep your cutting board flat and in good condition.
Q: What steel is recommended for knife patterns?
A: We recommend 19 mm standard die steel, but other heights can be used (though some may require changes in cutting board thickness).
Example: A small coaster knife uses around 300 mm of steel.
Up to 1200 mm total knife length is suitable for medium-hard materials.
Over 1500 mm is not advised — it places unrealistic pressure on the machine and may cause damage (voiding warranty).
Fringe-type multi-blade knives are not recommended. They may work in large hydraulic presses but are unsuitable here.
Q: What height should I mount the machine?
A: The press is designed to operate on a low bench. The handle should be pushed down using shoulder weight with a straight arm — not pulled using arm strength.
Mounted lower = easier operation.
Adjust the settings down slightly to compensate.
Cutting performance will be fine, though you may notice slightly more wear at the front of the board.
Q: Can the machine do pressure embossing?
A: Yes, within limits.
Maximum embossing area: 70 mm × 70 mm.
Designs with outlines (e.g. rose leaves and stems) are fine.
Large filled-in graphics (solid rose petals, filled leaves) may overload the press.
Plates can be made in magnesium or brass by:
All Type Engraving
1/35 Elmsfield Rd, Midvale WA 6056
When ordering, request 6 mm thick magnesium etched to at least 1 mm depth. Please ensure your artwork is professionally prepared.
Q: What sizes of crew punches are available?
A: Two types are available:
Forged steel crew punches — only in standard sizes: A7, A10, A12, A14, A16, A18, A20.
The number indicates length in mm.
Width is scaled proportionally (A7 ≈ 1 mm wide, A20 ≈ 3 mm wide).
Manufactured crew punches — custom-made to almost any size you request.
Not as robust as forged punches.
However, thousands have been produced over the past 50 years and continue to perform very well.
Q: What is the price (Australia only)?
A:
Pickup from factory (Ocean View, QLD): $1,250 + GST (direct from production line, includes green cutting board, no packaging).
Packed for transport: $1,295 + GST.
Freight can be arranged to Australian destinations (email us for a quote).
Overseas buyers:
We have some overseas stockists. Their prices will be higher due to shipping, duties, and import costs.
Exporting a single machine from Australia is very expensive.
Please check if your country has a local M A Series III supplier.
If not, you may purchase a packed machine here, but you must arrange your own freight and cover all associated import costs.
Q: Cutting long parallel strips (Andy from Indonesia)
A: Yes, it’s possible — for example, making belts.
Have a knife made to the required width and length.
Rotate the cutting pad 90°.
Keep the swing head fully over the board at all times.
Step the leather through the knife, making multiple cuts.
Start Clicking with the M A Series III clicker press-used by thousands World wide
