Abstract: A sheet material cutting machine includes a bristle bed with generally vertically extending bristles having free ends defining a support surface for supporting sheet material to be cut and a carriage movable over the bristle bed and carrying at least one cutting tool to selectively cut the sheet material. A vacuum cleaning system provides vacuum at the carriage to remove cutting debris as the cutting tool is cutting the sheet material. Illustrated embodiments include providing the vacuum through a passage in the cutting tool and providing the vacuum through a cavity in a presser foot.