I have an old Challenge Diamond 26 paper cutter. I bought it used around 10 years ago and it has served me very well. I'm not a printer, but a publisher and I do alot of my own finishing/cutting/binding of various books and such that I publish (www.opticaltoys.com).

Pretty much all of a sudden the blade is not coming down with the same speed (and I would guess force) as it normal has done. I might guess this slow down has happened over time, but if so, it has been hard to perceive. It just seems like from one day to the next all of a sudden it cuts slowly. It WILL still cut so perhaps there is still the same force.

I have checked the gauges (as best I can when when I'm standing there holding the cutting buttons and trying to stretch to see them) and they appear to be at the level the manual says they should be, both at rest and during the cut. The manual suggests a possibility of ruined seals on the hydraulic pumps themselves among other things. But I am at a loss to know really how to troubleshoot.

I have to pay someone to travel here for a 3 hour round trip before I pay them just to take a look at it. I found this forum and thought maybe someone might be able to give me some pointers; come here themselves (if within hours distance from southern Vermont); or make suggestions for alternative help to hire out (one question I have is if I could just find ANYONE who knows hydraulics, would they be able to figure this out).

Thanks in advance
Andy
andy@opticaltoys.com

Did you try replacing the filter?

If you still have the pressure and not the flow... the filter may be restricting the flow.

Just a suggestion.

I assume the filter is the cannister attached right below the line as it feeds into (or out of?) the reservoir, yes? No I haven't tried replacing it.

Can I just unscrew that cannister without hydraulic fluid bursting out all over?
Where do I get a replacement filter?

Yes. It should look similar to an automotive oil filter. You should be able to pick up a new filter at an automotive parts store. I'm not promising anything but if you haven't replaced it in awhile... it might help the situation.