Window Covering Sizing Method and Apparatus

A method for operating a window covering cutting machine when sizing a packaged window covering, the packaged window covering including components contained within a package such that first ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a second end of the package, the method comprising:

• automatically moving the packaged window covering in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane;
• cutting the first ends of the components using the window covering cutting machine;
• automatically moving the packaged window covering in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane;
• and
• cutting the second ends of the components using the window covering cutting machine.

A window covering cutting machine having a dust collection system, the machine comprising:

• a cutting device configured to cut a window covering, said cutting device movable in a cutting direction;
• a clamp assembly configured to move the window covering relative to said cutting device;
• a controller configured to control an operation of said clamp assembly such that said clamp assembly positions an end of the window covering relative to said cutting device;
• a vacuum source;
• a shroud in fluid communication with said vacuum source, said shroud surrounding at least a portion of said cutting device;
• and
• a dust collection plenum configured to draw at least one of dust or debris away from said cutting device at a location vertically above said shroud, said dust collection plenum including an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being entirely offset from a lateral side of said cutting device.