New Machine - Inconsistent Measurments

[mtylerfl]

NOTE: I do not have the "Semiramis" font, so it displays on my computer as a generic sans-serif font. Hopefully, the modification I made to the layout board length still allows the font to fit properly within the 12" "fake board" layout length. If not, just make your fake board longer as necessary, then make SURE you cut your REAL board a tad over 7" longer than that!

Oh, one more thing to be aware of...when you upload this modified version, you may get a "scary" Auto Jig warning...just click IGNORE...do not allow auto-jigging...your board will be big enough it won't cause any problems at all (if you follow my directions, that is).

[DCHeels]

Ok, that makes sense. I think what was throwing me off is that my design and my workpiece were 8" x 15.5" but I wasn't paying attention to the fact that when it CW is starting the project it is measuring the cutting area and it was close enough to my 8" that I assumed that's what it meant. At any rate, I'm off to try a new test piece that is long enough for the 7"rule.

I will be using a lot of quarter sawn white oak so I want to avoid as much waste as possible. Should I consider a sled to compensate for the 7" rule?

I know I still have a lot to learn but I'm looking forward to making the most of my new CW! Thanks again!!!

[mtylerfl]

...Should I consider a sled to compensate for the 7" rule?...

Yes, you should. But first, get the basic principles down and comfortable...then move on to sleds to save material and money.

As you can see, we are all eager to help. We went through the same things you are right now...it's not a difficult machine to learn to use...just different from anything else you(and we) probably have ever used before adding the "miracle" CarveWright machine to our workshops. You are going to have a blast!

[DCHeels]

Well, that worked much better! I scaled down my board and ran a new test piece which turned out with the text the way I wanted it. Luckily, I found a QSWO board to use that wouldn't cause too much waste. I'll post a picture of the final project soon.

Thanks again for all of the help. I'm sure I'll be back!

[mtylerfl]

Happy day! Looking forward to seeing this, and future projects from you.

[Digitalwoodshop]

Well now that we have the 7 inch rule of wood down.... Something to consider learning is to skip using Center on Board and learn to use Place on END... It can be a much more FrugAL way to use wood...

On the right side of Designer you draw a 4 inch block for a on screen measuring block. Then you place the artwork on the board to the LEFT of the 4 inch block. If you imagine the Brass Roller and Keypad are at the TOP of your Designer Screen it will make sense.

I leave my physical board long and sometimes place a 3.5 inch cut off Block on the end with TAPE.... See some Examples of how I use this trick with the cut off blocks taped AND use Place on END or Corner... A BONUS is that the Board only MEASURES ONCE... Not TWICE like Center on Board... Over the life of the machine.... Think of all the SERVO time you save....

On some projects I flip the board end for end for a 2nd project. I cut the Clocks off the LONG Board as I make them and tape the block back on. I use 3.5 inch board but 4 inches in Designer for a Fresh Edge...

AL

[jpshogs]

I think I am having a simular problem. Everything was going fine for my first few projects then all of sudden the carver started making everthing really small. I used the shell for example on the drawing it takes up the whole board but when it actually carves its like 1" X 1" big.

[Digitalwoodshop]

It's that 7 inch rule of wood thing again... IF you put a board in the machine the Exact Length Physically AS you Designer Board then tell the computer to Please Stay Under the Rollers.... It will say OK... BUT I am going to take that 7 inches that I need to stay under the rollers from that SHORT Board you installed... I will then carve the project in the area that is left after I take 7 inches... In your case the carving was 1 x 1 inch.... I am guessing your physical board length was 8 inches without even seeing a .mpc.

Happens to everyone....

AL

[jpshogs]

no I know that rule its a 6X9 board but its cut to 13"

[mtylerfl]

no I know that rule its a 6X9 board but its cut to 13"

Hi,

The only possible way your carvings can come out smaller than you designed is if you allowed scaling during project setup at the machine.

Perhaps the following article will help explain this in a little more detail. I hope you find it helpful...

ISSUE 18 March 2009 – Scaling and How to Avoid It!