Spindle Setup

  1. Take out the cutter by unscrewing (clockwise) the knob at the top of the spindle. (This is designed to keep the cutter from coming out of the spindle when cutting)

  2. Screw the Micrometer counterclockwise until it is tight. (to the top like screwing a nut on a bolt) Then, back  the Micrometer off (unscrew) until the pointer is back on 0.

  3. Now unscrew the Micrometer at least 3 full turns until the pointer is again on the 0 mark.  (Let the 0 mark pass the pointer 3 times)

(each complete revolution is 25/1000) (0.025) (also each click is 1/1000)

 

This will allow you to adjust the spindle to go up to 75/1000 in depth (0.075), which in most cases will also allow you to cut all the way through plastic.

  1. Insert a cutter (with knob attached) and screw it in until it is snug.

  2. Loosen the set screw in the cutter knob to allow the cutter to slide up and down.

  3. Hold a flat piece of metal against the bottom of the cutter and then push the cutter back up (with the flat metal) until it is flush with the nose cone.

  4. With the other hand, put your wrench in the set screw and tighten it down.

  5. Set up the rest of your cutters the same way with the Micrometer still set to 0.

Engraving Plastic

Initial settings are Trial and Error.

  

  · The RPM's for most plastic should be set to around 1200 to 1500

  · A good rule to follow is the harder the material the more rpm's and a slower engraving speed.

  · Plastic Engraving Material has a Lamination put on top and varies in thickness from micro thin (about 2/1000 Up)

  · If you are not sure what cutter to use, Start with a .005 cutter and turn up the micrometer about 2 clicks, which is 2/1000. If you

    don't go completely through the top layer, send the engraver back to Home (starting position), and adjust the Micrometer up

    another 2/1000 or so and start the engraving process again.

  · If you have a lot of detail, always use the smallest cutter you have and work up to a larger one

 

 

Eddy Maddux has over 20 years of engraving experience! Thank You Eddy.  Eddy also does custom logos.  Eddy's web site is http://members.cox.net/maddux/