I ran the calibration, which improved things a lot. When I need precise alignment, I place the target material in the center, where the camera correction is most accurate. I use a piece of 90º material to square my target to the front of the machine. In the GFUI, I use the Set Focus tool on the center of my material, then zoom in and place the artwork. So pretty much what you’re doing.
It’s been a while since I did anything that required removing the tray, but that shouldn’t matter as long as your material’s surface is within 0.5" of the head. If it’s below that, you’re not going to be able to visually align, because the lens correction will be off no matter what.
Since that’s not getting you precise alignment, then I’d recommend using a jig as @jules advised, or masking the material and running a very light score to check your placement before committing.
In @timjedwards Ancillary Mode Dial instructions he used an alignment method I haven’t seen before or since. I’ve never been able to wrap my brain around it completely, but it worked for me, so it’s maybe something you could try with the “light score” method for placement:
- Print the shape on a color printer.
…- Lightly etch the red guide lines near the target as displayed. Don’t get too close, you don’t want to hit the ring itself.
- After the view refreshes, zoom in and align the image with the etched guidelines. Now you’ll get an accurate cut!