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| Both LaserAlign 1 and 2 are very precise tools, so you should take the time to set them up properly. This requires aligning your existing guides first. IF you are satisfied that your machine is currently set up properly - that the 0,0 point is truly that and that your X,Y guides form a perfect 90 degree angle, you may skip this step. PLEASE, however, read through our procedure below and check the accuracy of your engraving machine. |
| ALIGNING YOUR EXISTING GUIDES |
| The 0,0 point on your engraving table should correspond exactly to the 0,0 point in your computer software. If you position text or artwork in your software, such as CorelDRAW or Adobe Illustrator, to be exactly 1 inch in from the left and two inches down from the top, that’s where you expect it to engrave on your workpiece. Of course this seems obvious, but many people don’t take the time to check the factory set-up of their machine and just assume it is perfect Here’s how we test ours. Take virtually any piece of scrap material - laserable plastic, acrylic or thin wood work well. Place it on your engraving table and make sure your system is properly focused. Vector cut a perfect rectangle from your piece, approximately 3 x 5 inches, but virtually any size will work...you’re doing this only so you know that you have a piece with perfectly square corners. Place this piece in the upper left corner of your engraving table. Draw a rectangle 2" wide by 1" deep and place it in the upper left corner of your page. Paint it so you can Vector cut it. Set your Power/Speed so that it will barely break the surface and vector it into the piece on your engraving table. You are doing a vector cut for speed and so that it will mark a very thin line. Mark your piece then measure it. You should have lines 2 inches in from the left and 1 inch from the top. If they are not in these exact positions, you should adjust your guides and repeat the procedure until your measurements are perfect, OR close enough for your satisfaction. You SHOULD repeat this procedure on the Top Right and the Bottom Left of your engraving table as well. It's worth the time and effort - after it's done once, you will probably never have to do it again. Follow your machine manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting your guides. On most, there are two screws that loosen and allow you to adjust the guide. Be careful not to move before tightening. |
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| Ordinarily, any ruler will be sufficient for doing your set-up measurements. IF absolute precision is important to you, you should do your measurements with a Digital Caliper. We can sell a very nice 6" Stainless Steel one to you for $85, or you can buy one locally at a woodworker supply store, or an industrial supply store such as Grainger or McMaster-Carr. Ours converts instantly between Imperial (Standard Inch) and Metric, measures depth, zeros at any point, accurate to within .005" and includes a battery and protective plastic case. A great idea and handy device to have around the shop. Great for measuring Text, Logos, Products, etc. |
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