[Bob2299]

Hi,

Well, this was not easy.  I got the printing right side up on the egg being guided by your tip, but since my first two settings in options were already checked I reasoned that I should uncheck them, success on that item.

Re my outlines problem, to explain a little better.  When I scanned the art the lines were fairly thick so when I went to print them they printed as outlines.  I found a way in Inkscape to make it show the lines as outlines and was then able to fill them using hatchfill.

The printing out of register was out of position in the length direction ie. the fill was shifted towards the tailstock.  I did not think this was from egg slippage and was able to resolve by changing the hatch fill to 180 deg instead  of the 90 deg.  Problem solved.  Then as I was doing a print the pen began doing weird things and it was slippage of the pen arm and motor.  The set screw holding the arm is in a metal washer which is glued in place to prevent movement.  The glue/wood/metal bond failed, (looks like minimal adhesive).  I scraped it clean and epoxied it.  This I think was what caused the out of register printing, as the pen arm moved rapidly back and forth from head to tail stocks it caused slight movement ot the loose fit of the shaft and pen arm of about 1/32″. 

Your direction to the trouble shooting wicki certainly helps as well.  It is surprising how comlex this “simple” little device is and both how accurate and reproducible it is when dialed in properly.

Finally I was able to do what I wanted.  I am having a friend who has a wood lathe turn a finail and woden top for a screw-eye.  When complete I will send you a photo.

Again, thanks.

Bob

[Bob2299]

Hi Windell,

Thanks for your help.  There is a lot to digest, will do so over next day ot two and let you know how I make out.

Bob

[Bob2299]

I tried using hatchfill and it did the job, but did not print well.  The outline printed, then the hatchfill printed but out of register (about 1/8″ lower down the image) and added to print time.

I do not see any slippage of the egg or misssing or added stepper motor steps.

Any suggestions as to why and how to correct this?

In searching the site I found a suggestion to set outliine and hatch as 2 separeate layers and just print the hatchfill.   Is this a good solution, it does seem to add a lot of complexity.

[Bob2299]

Yes, I agree, you would need to have some holding device more like a drive spur or tailstock as used in a lathe, alternatively numerous very light cuts with the CNC router or spindle.

Bob

[Bob2299]

Windell,

Thanks for the detail, this helps!

Thanks,

Bob

[Bob2299]

Windell – I am printing glass Christmas balls.

MLowe – Thanks for sharing your techniques, I will try them.  I do have the precision coupler.  I have also tried engraving with the engraving attachment but have experienced really high breakage.  Have you tried engraving?

I also have a 3D printer, perhaps I can devise some sort of holder to position glass balls that can be printed.

Thanks,

Bob

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