The tip-off refers to the flat on the tip of an engraving cutter that determines how wi
de the cutter will cut.
When we refer to tip width or tip size, we are describing the width the cutter produces at the bottom of the cut.
Tip widths are most accurately measured by doubling the dimension from the cutter's centerline to the cutting edge. In the sharpening process, material is removed from the back of the tool to provide clearance, therefore the dimension across the tip will be smaller than the cut produced. For example, a .030" cutter for flexible engraving stock will only measure about .025".
