Perfect Realignment Every Time

I do a lot of painting and remasking between steps on my GF and I have found a way to engrave/cut/score a project, completely remove from the tray, then reinsert all while being spot on for more lasering.

First cut and install the tray boots designed by @timjedwards Give that wiggly GF tray the boot! This is a “must do” for anyone wanting a stable crumb tray.

Once you have the tray secured in place we move to the new fence that make it all possible, a Harbor Freight 12" metal ruler https://www.harborfreight.com/12-inch-stainless-steel-ruler-66199.html This ruler fits right into the gap at the bottom of the tray.

I removed the cork backing and then put some masking tape on edge of the ruler that goes into the gap to hold it snug and slid in to place on the tray. It fits nice and tight

Now load your material on the tray. You will most likely not be able to fit it square to the corner, but that’s ok. The key is to keep the material straight with which ever edge you prefer. I use the horizontal edge flush to the ruler and slide until the material makes contact with the vertical edge of the tray

Now load your file and ready it for print.

If you will notice, in a scrap area I engrave the dimensions and coordinates of the graphic. By doing this I can remove everything from the tray and come back at a later time and date and know where to place my graphic and at what size.

Here is a test print I made to demonstrate. I lightly scored the text so that I could show how it realigns perfectly.

This photo is to prove I removed it from the GF before continuing. I didn’t screen shot a blank screen when I exited and rebooted, I figure if you don’t trust me by now ??? :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

Taken while scoring the second time.

Close up of finished results

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I have had excellent results every time if have used this and I hope this is process is useful to someone besides me. If you have any question feel free to ask.

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That is some great information! Sounds like a simple jig to implement. I’m not sure I follow why you engrave the coordinates…unless you are worried that you may accidentally (or purposely) move the art work. I guess, more information is better than not enough.

Thanks for sharing.

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Very cool! I need to give that a try with some of my canvas work.

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Thanks for the tips! Definitely bookmarking this. I just so happen to have a metal ruler, or two, or three…

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Thank you, some times I will start a project and then go down a rabbit hole changing things or even starting whole new ones, so it’s a “just in case” precaution.

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A great idea for a repeatable bottom edge, nice!

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Thank you. It wouldn’t be possible without your tray boots though, they have greatly improved my results, thank you for creating them.

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Wow, thank you so much for sharing your tip! Can’t wait to try this!

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You are welcome. Please let me know how it works for you.

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Great information! Thanks!

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I think I’ve said this somewhere once before, but they were inspired by a perfectly sized piece of scrap that fell in between the tray and the side of the machine!

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Many great things were the result of an accident… take me for example
image

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Thank you so much for this! I’m confident it will change my GFing life!

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You are most welcome.

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I like useful and simple methods to accomplish tasks such as yours! Thanks for sharing…

Hint for Dan… How about adding an alignment scale or provide one here that works every time!!!

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