Getting Started
Before using the ArundoMAX be sure to read the user manual to familiarize yourself with the machine and ensure proper usage.
Underneath the sticker with the QR code is the power port. This is where you can insert the included power cord. The machine will turn on automatically once connected to a power source.
To open the lid, press the black grip on the front of the acrylic lid inwards. This releases the hook and will allow you to lift and rotate the lid backwards to access the machine.
Important: before using the machine ensure that the orange transport lock is disengaged. The screen on the ArundoMAX should remind you of this, but it is best practice to double-check before attempting to profile a reed.
The ArundoMAX will go into standby mode after a preset amount of time of inactivity. This amount of time can be customized in the settings menu.
Profiling A Reed
Open the lid. Lift the carriage out of the way. Place the reed on the tongue and secure it with the mandrel and hook as you would on the regular profiling machine.
Choose a program. The screen will then give you an overview of that program's settings. If you are happy with your choice, close the lid. Once the lid is closed the ArundoMAX will profile the reed with the settings of the chosen program.
Once the machine is done the screen will turn screen and show a smiley face to indicate that it is finished. Now you can open the lid, remove the reed and place the reed with the other side facing up to scrape the second blade. With the reed in place you can close the lid and the ArundoMAX will use the same settings to profile the next blade. This can be repeated until you are done processing all the reeds you wanted to process with the current settings.
Important: if you want to use a different program, hit Back until you get to the options you are looking for and choose the desired program.
Choosing a Program
Upon starting the machine you will find four program options. These are pre-populated with default names and scrape settings; however, you can customize each of these as you wish.
To use a program, simply press one of the four quadrants with the desired program. You will then be presented with 4 speed options:
Fast - the fastest and loudest option for processing reeds quickly
Normal - the medium option for regular reed processing
Slow - slower settings to maximize time between loading reeds into the machine
Ssssh! - the slowest and quietest option, for processing reeds in secret
On this page you also have the following options:
Tip only - this scrapes only the tip of the reed as determined by the tip settings
Sides only - this scrapes only the sides of the reed as determined by the side settings
Middle only - this scrapes only the center of the reed as determined by the center settings
The settings for the tip, middle, and sides can be adjusted from the settings menu.
Customizing a Program
The settings of each program can be customized to your needs. This can be done by pressing and holding one of the four quadrants from the home page, or going into the settings menu and choosing program settings.
From here you can choose:
Name - the name displayed at the top of the program
Scrape Width - how wide the scrape area should be
Scrape Length - how long the scrape area should be
Parabola - which style of scrape limiter should be used
Pressing on the arrow keys will change the corresponding settings. In the top right corner you can also see which quadrant on the home page is currently being edited, as well as change to another setting group.
Customizing Speed Options
You can adjust the settings of the four speed options by going into the settings menu and selecting Speed Options. Each Speed setting has its own parameters (i.e. the slowest speed within Fast ist still faster than the fastest speed in Sssh!) - the adjustments are therefore relative within the overall speed category.
From here you can adjust the following:
Scrape Speed - the speed at which the carriage is moved back and forth over the reed
Rotation - the size of each step that is taken when the reed is rotated between passes
Rounds - how many times the blade will pass over the entire surface of the reed before the program ends
To adjust the settings for Scrape Speed and Rotation, move the slider towards the Rabbit for faster speeds/larger steps and towards the turtle for slower speeds and smaller steps. In the top right corner you can also see which speed setting is currently being edited, as well as change to another setting group.
Customizing Tip, Middle, and Side Settings
You can adjust the settings of the Tip, Middle, and Sides Only options by going into the settings menu and selecting Tip/Mid/Sides.
From here you can adjust the following:
Tip only - measured from the front, how much of the reed should be scraped
Sides only - defines how wide a section of the center of the reed should be excluded when profiling only the sides
Middle only - defines how wide a section of the center of the reed should be scraped when profiling only the middle
Pressing on the arrow keys will change the corresponding settings.
Re-Centering the Machine
If the scrape limiter is off-center, you can re-center the rotating mechanism by going into Settings Menu and selecting Rotation Calibration. From here, with the help of the arrow buttons, you can re-center the rotating mechanism of the axle by adjusting the angle position of the reed. Press the arrows until the piece holding the template is perpendicular to the base of the machine. You can check this visually or with the aid of an angle guide or square.
Customizing the Blade Counter
The ArundoMAX includes a visual aid designed to help you know when it is time to rotate or replace the blade on your machine. The blade image will progressively be less full until it is time to rotate or change the blade depending on how many scrapes you set it to use as a reference point. This number can be changed from the settings menu by choosing blade counter.
Changing the Blade
Much like on the regular profiling machine the blade can be rotated or change manually. If you are using the Blade360 and can rotate the blade without moving the blade holder then you can simply do this as you are used to by lifting the carriage to get access to the blade.
If you need to replace or move the blade holder you will need to remove the screw holding the black lever mechanism onto the top of the carriage. With this screw removed you can carefully move the black lever mechanism out of the way to access the blade and use the Blade Adjustment Dial to adjust the blade. Be sure to carefully replace the black lever mechanism and tighten the screw holding it in place again before trying to use the machine.
Adjusting the Thickness & Template Position
All adjustments to the thickness as well as template position cane be done in the same way they would be on the normal profiling machine. Please check the Support Page to find the relevant steps.