Setting the cutter depth is a critical part of the engraving set-up process. There are a variety of methods you can use, but the following are easy and accurate and should work on all machines.
1) Put a piece of scrap material in the vise or whatever material holding device you are using.
2) Remove the cutter from the spindle and set the depth micrometer to a "0" point that is near the mid range of its travel. (This will insure that you will have adequate adjustment in either direction to increase or decrease cutter depth).
3) Move or jog the spindle so that it is over the plate and then lower it so that it contacts the material. Set the spindle down pressure so that there is a firm, but not excessive pressure against the plate. The pressure should be firm enough to ensure that the nose maintains positive contact, but not so great that you get shadowing or marring from the nose.
4) Insert the cutter into the spindle and lower it until it gently contacts the material. Tighten the setscrew in the knob.
5) Raise the spindle and then dial in the desired depth on the micrometer and lock it securely so that it doesn't vibrate loose while engraving. |
