Shop tip - Aligning Objects for Engraving
When you need to precisely align a workpiece for engraving, especially for an odd shape or when engraving close to an edge, give this a try. First place multiple layers of painters/duct tape on the engraving surface and trim off the excess. Create a cut layer that is a little smaller than engraving surface and then run the cut fast with low power. The goal is to have the cut not penetrate the bottom tape layer and thereby leave a mark you can see for alignment checking without marking the actual surface.
Edit: I found after a tube upgrade that with the increased power just painters tape wasn’t sufficient, without many layers. Now use a layer of painters tape, then a layer of heavy duct tape, then a layer of painters tape. The thickness of the duct tape allows several checks with just replacing the top layer.
I have a jig for holding the object but my setup isn’t precise enough to allow an accurate alignment of the jig with no checks.
Object with double masking layer (number of layers required will depend on your min power/speed and on the thickness of your making tape.
Alignment need to be shifted to the right a little.
Looks Good.
Perfect!