Square for Glowforge

[evansd2]

The basic idea is to use a jig.

Step 1: cut some tray boots to keep your tray from wiggling.

Give that wiggly GF tray the boot!

NOTE Jan. 2022: Rev 3 now available for newer model machines (see below). What are these, incredibly realistic keychain fobs? Earrings for a Texan ball? Props for a spaghetti western dollhouse? None of those things, my friend! [image] They are stabilizing boots for your 'Forge! Resting on the bottom of your machine and out of the way of any moving parts, these little guys keep your tray from moving even a fraction of a kerf. Seriously, it’ll be solid as a rock. Now you’ll be one step cl…

Step 2: cut a reference jig to align your material to. I prefer corner or side jigs, like these two examples:

Corner jig

Alignment of irregular objects (Coasters)

I got a set of slate coasters. Unfortunately slate’s a pretty analog material, and each square was very slightly different. Under normal circumstances, this would not be an issue, as the differences were very small… but these are to be a matched tiling set, and so alignment was crucial. The way I solved for it was to make a “consumable” jig. Carefully measure your coaster: length, width and height. Be sure to mark the bottom somehow so you know your orientation later. Go to your favorite S…

Side(edge) jig:

Map on slate

A nearly maxed out engrave at 10.5” by 16+“ (18:12 aspect ratio), The map is of Strongsville Ohio from a map of Cuyahoga County in the library of Congress, circa 1858. A gift for some Ohio family members. [image] As always lighting matters, here it is in progress: [image] Thanks to @kittski for her mineral oil slate technique and @Jules for posting settings. Sources, since people will ask… Map: Map of Cuyahoga County, Ohio | Library of Congress Slate: https://www.worldmarket.com/produ…