How to properly use a jig on any laser system !

In order for a Jig to work, there has to be a specific process. Ignore the camera all together - many lasers don’t even have a camera and successfully cut perfectly aligned engraves using a jig. 

If you want your engraves perfectly aligned when using a jig, follow these directions.

Step 1: Lay down Material. 

Either Cardboard or MDF. 

For corrugated cardboard, like ULine 0.15" Amazon boxes: 

• Cut: 180 speed, 60 power 
• Score: 246 speed, 30 power

Step 2: Use Hold Down Pins. Make sure it is secure and will not move when you take the pieces that cut out

Step 3: Open File on Dashboard, "Set Focus" in the middle of the area you will be placing the design. You will only Set Focus this one time.

Step 4: Move the Jig File Position to where you want it. The jig AND the artwork must be on the SAME SVG. If you are trying to line up or stack files, this will be an issue. Make sure the jig and the artwork are different colors in your design. The jig must always be a part of the artwork also, that’s how the jig works. 

Step 5: Ignore all engraves. Make only the cut active. Print the File.

Step 6: After it runs, hit dismiss print. Open the top. Remove the piece that you cut and don’t move anything. Use tape or exacto knife to remove only the cut sections. Be careful NOT TO MOVE the Jig in the process (Or leave them in place and run your engrave on it to be 100% sure until you have confidence in this process)

Step 7: Put the piece you want to engrave in the area of the cut you removed, (Either your actual product or the cut out you just removed. Print the file

Step 8: Ignore the cut that you previously had as active. Activate the Engraves you previously had ignored.

Step 9: Hit Print. Everything should be perfectly aligned as it engraves. If you have more items that are the exact same, you can keep engraving them over an over by starting back at step 7 using the same jig.

If the items or engrave changes, you should load a new jig with that artwork and begin again.

NOTE: 

• It is okay if the items are not aligned with the artwork on your screen or in your camera, as it will still align with the jig when you actually cut it if nothing was moved. It will be "off" the same way the boxes were, and result in perfect results on your items.
• Don’t worry about what the screen shows. The machine is given a command which is repeatable. Have faith. It will work.
• You can keep putting new bands / pencils in the same jig as long as you don’t turn off the machine or load new artwork. Use it all day. All weekend. 
• Once your done for the day, toss the jig. It COULD work if your machine is aligned perfectly, but I would start the process again to be sure - after all, the point of the jig is repeatable and perfect work every time. 
• Most jigs only cost about $.25 worth of MDF, and free if you use Amazon Cardboard that you’re tossing anyway. 
• Are there other methods that work? Sure - but this method results in success every time.