I’ve had my machine for a couple weeks now. I have made lots of watchbands, but when i engrave on them, it is very hit and miss on getting the image to engrave exactly where i put it. i normally lay the bands down on my tray, do set focus on a band, add images and adjust to the “middles”, then move on to the next band and start over. I’m doing set focus on each band when i move, but it is still engraving off center. I’ve read that a jig will help this problem, but i don’t understand how, because i still have to manually adjust each image when i add a new design. i’ve read on several different threads, done several different methods, re-calibrated the lid cam, still nothing is working right. I thought i had it figured out last night, but after doing 4 bands at once, it still engraved off center on 2 of the bands…
Your jig and the image to engrave on the watchband are in the same file. You center the image relative to the outline of the watchband before it is uploaded to the Glowforge interface. The jig appears in the Glowforge interface, but you ignore it and only engrave the image.
You may also want to run the “camera calibration” routine (sorry I don’t have the link to insert here, but if you search for it, you’ll find the how-to and other tips for that).
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re running into trouble. Narrowing down trouble when printing on materials that are not Proofgrade can be difficult. I’d like to create a baseline for your Glowforge, and have you perform a specific print, and ensure your Glowforge is working within specification.
We’d like to have you try a few troubleshooting steps for us:
- Turn off your Glowforge.
- Check for small pieces of debris or dust.
- Check the lower door to make sure it closes all the way. It may require some force to open, but open it, wipe any dust off the edges, and close it all the way.
- Remove the tray and clean any dust or debris from the surface underneath. Pay careful attention to remove all debris from the four dimples where the tray rests.
- Check the lid to make sure it closes all the way. Small particles of material, such as dust or debris, can prevent it from closing completely.
- Check the surface your Glowforge is on to make sure it’s flat. Ensure it is not twisted slightly and that there is no debris propping up one side of the machine.
- Turn your Glowforge back on.
- We included an extra piece of Proofgrade Draftboard with your materials shipment for troubleshooting. Place the Proofgrade Draftboard in the center of the bed and print the Gift of Good Measure using the default settings.
- When the print finishes, leave the lid closed and wait until the fans stop and the picture updates. Without moving your artwork or your material, take a screenshot of the Workspace to show us the difference between the artwork placement and the actual print placement. Make sure to include the rulers in your screenshot and show as much of the bed as possible.
- Mac: Press Shift-Command-4 and click and drag a box around your image. You’ll find the screenshot file saved on your desktop.
- Windows: Click on the Start Menu and type “snipping tool”. Open the Snipping Tool > New then click and drag a box around your image. Click the Save icon and name and save your file.
- Send us the screenshot along with the date and time of the print, and we’ll investigate.
Once we can review the log files from the print, and the screenshots you provide, we’ll send over the next best steps.
Doing this multiple set focus thing on a single job never works for me either. @dklgood’s jig advice is the best way to go about multiple pieces at a time with confidence.
It’s been a little while since I’ve seen any replies on this thread so I’m going to close it. If you still need help with this please either start a new thread or email support@glowforge.com.