When a flat die is ready to notch, you can notch the die by using one of two methods: Auto Notching or Simple Notching. You can also use a combination of the two methods. Simple Notching takes a single length parameter and a single notch size and places the notches in a line or group of lines. Auto Notching places notches into lines and arcs according to the parameters you want including an inset from the end. Auto Notch also has variable notch sizes for different lengths of lines and arcs. Auto Notching is the fastest option for most dies since it notches all lines and arcs where the Simple Notch method only notches lines and only has one notch size and length parameter.
Usually the job at hand dictates which method to use or when you should use both methods. Neither notching method will notch splines or ellipses. Splines and ellipses must be converted to either three-point arcs or lines before notching.
The easiest method to use is Auto Notching, which achieves consistent notching results. All lines and arcs get automatically notched if they are selected when this method is used. To use Auto Notching, just set up your Notching Parameters one time and choose Flat Dies → AutoNotch... Auto Notch size and placement is controlled by the Notching Parameters dialog. The left side of the dialog shows the settings for lines and the right side shows the settings for arcs. For both lines and arcs, the number of notches to be used is listed first, then the line or arc size and the notch size for that length. Lines can also have an inset parameter.
In the stock setup as shown above, lines up to 3” get one notch .25” long. Lines between 3” and 7” in length get 2 notches .25” inches in length with no inset, and so on. Check the “Use cross tees” box and optionally adjust the tee length to create perpendicular “tees” at each notch end.