Full Version: Not so hot line of text; can you help?
From: Michael [#1]
24 Mar 2006
To: ALL
Bought a used New Hermes GTX rotary engraver off eBay. Bought a fonts set from a different seller on eBay. So far not so bad, however, using diamond drag to test on a lighter, the engraving is good, but the letters don't want to align properly (see attached photo).
Ratio is 6:1.
After looking at the photo, can you tell me what have I done incorrectly, and the best way to make corrections? I see where the tracing stylus left the letter track before the drag bit was raised, so the easy one is taken care of. :P
Thanks
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2]
24 Mar 2006
To: Michael [#1] 24 Mar 2006
It looks like you used too much pressure on the bit and the shaft of the diamond was flexing.
Try to have as little of the bit sticking out as possible, that reduces the flex. Of course, engrave an extra pass rather than use more pressure. The tip off is the A. You started at the top of the verticals and went downward. The bit never got to the bottom of the letter due to the drag.
Either that or the unit is very worn and there is play in the knuckles of the pantograph.
From: Puck (PUCKERBRUSH) [#3]
24 Mar 2006
To: Michael [#1] 25 Mar 2006
Hello Michael,
Are both the ratios set at the same number? Looks like one might be a little off. The New Hermes GTX I use to have had two spots to set the ratio and if I got it slightly off it looked like your picture. Just a thought.
Puck
From: logojohn [#4]
24 Mar 2006
To: Michael [#1] 25 Mar 2006
If your machine joints are not worn it might
just be type moving a little or worn type. This occured most if
you use a divider on a larger track.
Also just make sure all the knobs except the scrolling knob are tight.
It could also be that the item is not clamped completely tight.
Those lighters are slick and may move if you don't have a deep jig.
I got around the distorted corners by doing each section of the letter individually. It was only necessary on some things.
When you go around the corners is when the problem happens.
For example Trace the top of the E.
Trace the middle of the E.
Trace the bottom of the E.
Trace the side of the E.
If your type is worn or not tight in the track, keep the
tracing needle to one side as it moves.
You will want to trouble shoot whatever is causing it for the long term.
But this will get the current job done even though it takes much more time.
.
EDITED: 24 Mar 2006 by LOGOJOHN
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5]
24 Mar 2006
To: Michael [#1] 25 Mar 2006
Michael,
It looks like a loose adjustment knob.
There are a total of 7 adjustment knobs, any of which, when loose, can cause the type of engraved character you've shown:
1) Knob that opens and closes the vise.
2) Knob that controls the sliding movement of the ratio bar.
3) Knob that holds the spindle in place.
4) Knob that locks in lateral movement of the workholding vise.
5) Knob that locks in vertical movement of the workholding vise.
6) Knob that locks in the overall vertical movement of the upper pantograph arm.
7) Knob that locks in up/down movement of the post the workholding vise is mounted to.
If that's not the cause, worn bushings or worn mastercopy are the next most likely causes.
ÂÂÂÂ
EDITED: 24 Mar 2006 by DGL
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6]
24 Mar 2006
To: Michael [#1] 25 Mar 2006
Have we finally given you enough answers to thoroughly confuse you?
If not we will try some more. :-)
From: Michael [#7]
25 Mar 2006
To: ALL
WHEW!
One piece of information I didn't realize I'd not included in the orginal post: the complete model number is GTX-U. Looking at some of the responses, it makes just a little bit of difference.
There are 10 (not 9) knobs and 3 (not 2) of them adjust the ratio.
The motor and pantograph slide from front to back along a ratio scale and is moved via a locking knob. One arm of the pantogaph is adjustable along another ratio scale and is moved manuall and locked into place via a small knob. The engraving heads (interchangeable diamond drag & rotary) move along a ratio scale on the pantograph arm opposite the arm with the scale metioned above. All three knobs are tight as are all other knobs.
I had not noticed that the master copy moved up and down in the copy holder tray...just a teensytinylittlebitty bit, but it seems Larry hit the nail on the head with that suggestion. I don't know how to solve that because not all pieces move. I'm open to suggestions.
Second problem is the age of the master copy. There is some noticable wear on many of the letters...not lots and lots, but noticable.
One problem I never imagined in my wildest fantasy is that how the letters are traced makes a difference, too. The shorter leg of the A was corrected by tracing that leg from bottom to top (no idea why, but the phenomenon is repeatable). The E was corrected when tracing as suggested.
WHEW!
As I learn the machine, trade and craft of rotary pantograph engraving I can probably guarantee I'll be back for more help.
Thanks muchly! :D
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
25 Mar 2006
To: Michael [#7] 25 Mar 2006
Keep in mind you want to raise the workholding vise close to the diamond engraving spindle, so you don't have to extend the length of the spindle too much, in order to reach your substrate.
That can have a bearing on letter quality. It's much like the difference bewteen trying to write with a pencil, with your fingers close to the lead, as opposed to trying to write with your fingers close to the eraser.