Valentines Cookie Cutters

Instructions

Everything is cut using on-tool offsets. For the inside shapes change the cut type to inside and use an offset of .035". Work your way through the material in 1/8" steps. For the final cut use .030" offset to minimize fuzz. For the next cut change the cut type to outside and set the offset to .200". This will be the final frame size. By starting large and working inwards you keep the cutter working on the correct side with respect to the direction of travel Origin steers you. Work your way down to .375" deep at .200" offset. Next begin working inwards by reducing the offset amount until you get to .030" offset. You can do this in multiple depths with a more aggressive offset reduction, or keep the cut depth at .375" but keep the change in offset small as you work your way in. The final blade thickness will be .060". The last cut is the frame perimeter. Change the offset back to .200" and set the depth of cut at .510" to make sure you cut all the way through the HDPE. Leave 2 or 3 small tabs as you cut to keep the cookie cutter from breaking loose and getting damaged as you finish the cut. HDPE is food safe and cuts like a dream, so I recommend using it. The biggest downside is that it can leave a little fuzz on your cuts. Fortunately these are easy to deburr with a utility knife by scraping the blade along the fuzzy edge at a 45 degree angle. Resist the urge to cut the fuzz off with a cutting motion so that you don't accidentally gouge the cookie cutter blade. Very fine fuzz can be eliminated by using a lighter and quickly burning/melting it, but be careful getting things too hot or they might warp. This really is an easy project that lends itself well to all kinds of cookie shapes, not just hearts and arrows. Whip up some specialty cookie cutters for the big game, an upcoming anniversary or the company pot luck.