Images and text not engraving corectly

[Zilverman]

Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.
I have just set up my engraver for the first time and have go it it engraving simple shapes from the benbox draw tools however when I import an image or try to burn some text the engraver seems to squash the image on the Y-axis.

I'm not sure what could be causing this issue, has anyone seen this before or have any advise for how i could fix this ?

Thanks
Jon 

[ggallant571]

Can you be more explicit on what appears to be working correctly. I have zero experience with benbox software so please use terms such as "burned 5x7cm rectangle" or etched 40mm circle.

[Zax]

I would suggest trying something other than Benbox.

[Zilverman]

Hi ggallant571,

I have attached some examples of what is happening.

The first 2 are the simple shapes it burns, but these are only burnt when that are drown with tools from within the app.
The second 2 are examples of images I have imported

I hope this helps explain what i am experiencing

Cheers
Jon

[ggallant571]

Couple of general comments:

1. Get rid of benbox. Both T2 and BCL offer free trails versions and there are a number of other generic g-code  utilities.
2. Try to get the firmware up to at least grbl-0.9. Better with grbl-1.1.
3. Try to setup/calibrate your fixture with "known" test patterns.
4. If you are posting a self generated image please attach the source file along with instructions.

The above will make it easier for others to assist you.

I also use Neon Colored Cardstock available at most stationary supply store. The 4x7 inch index cards cost about $2.50US / 100 and burn crisply with low laser power which can be achieved with higher speeds. Cheaper and faster.

Our system admin (Ralph) is the author of BCL and has an excellent tutorial on laser calibration.