Designing a Re-usable Jig for the Glowforge Laser

Learn the basics of setting up and re-aligning a re-usable jig for the Glowforge. This video covers the techniques required to create and print a jig using Adobe Illustrator and the Glowforge interface from start to finish.
In an upcoming video, I will cover the technique for measuring and design a more complex jig for an oddly shaped item.

[@stephaniemurphy4618]

I’ve been meaning to do this for so long and just keep putting it off. This was perfect!

[@angiegreek]

Very useful! Thanks so much!!

[@elizabethlamela4081]

You’re so good at all of this. #goals

[@M31glow]

Great post, where did you get those magnetic hold-downs?

[@PantheraPress]

I cut them with the glowforge - they should be linked in this blog post here: www.daniellewethington.com/glowforge-accesories/

[@TitanPardy808]

Awesome! Exactly what I was looking for! Not sure if I missed the settings in the video, but what are the settings you used to cut the cardboard? Power/Speed? Thank you in advance!

[@PantheraPress]

180/60 for cutting my cardboard worked for me

[@thecuratedagent6740]

How did you move the artwork to different wells the second time and still have them aligned correctly?

[@PantheraPress]

There are a couple ways you can do it. You can just layer them all in the file and make them different colors and then just turn on and off the artwork as you go. For me, I just drag the new art on top of the older one and turn the first one's cut/engrave settings off. For the most part I get them pretty spot on.

[@erikasynnestvedt9887]

Hello - Hoping you can help me with re-using the jig and finding proper placement. I have 2" blocks I am trying to engrave so I made a jig to hold the blocks. However, I have to remove the crumb tray to load the blocks. When I tried to put the white piece of paper in/score the paper to find proper placement of the jig, the laser ran thru it's paces but didn't actually score the paper. Probably because it's right on the bottom and not raised up? Too thin? How can I find proper placement for the jig when I have to have the crumb tray out?

[@PantheraPress]

That's definitely a bit harder and you're correct - the laser just couldn't reach the bottom of the machine as it needs to be within the focus height. One tip is to use some area of the machine itself as a guide for one side of your jig - aka make sure when you cut your cardboard jig it's hitting the front "door" of the machine. Then at least you'll have one axis correct even when you have to place it back into the machine after removing the crumb tray. If I was in your situation I would maybe make a layered jig of multiple layers of cardboard until they reach the height that the laser can hit it (focus height no math ruler can help - google that if you don't know what it is). Glue or tape them together as you go. When cutting the jigs I would score a design in each corner (a star or something) to act as a registration mark. After then taking the crumb tray out I would line up my extra thick jig using the GF camera the best I could, then ONLY score the star to check how it aligns to the original star you added when you cut it. Adjust by eye (the paper trick won't really work here). Once you have it right secure the jig with tape or heck, even a few dots of hot glue on the metal (those should peel off). Place a few blocks in and put masking on them. - quickly score your design with a power of one - just to triple check it's aligned and then run the job. Add painters tape to your base to show where the jig should go next time if you ever plan to run that job again and put the crumb tray back. In the future you'd be able to get a quick start by aligning to your tape marks. I know that's not super clear but hopefully it gives you an idea.

[@erikasynnestvedt9887]

@@PantheraPress Wow. This is full of great ideas. Really like the layered jig idea. That will definitely build the height and take that problem from the equation. I am going to play around with it now. Thank you for the suggestions. Fingers crossed this works!

[@KrazzieLeo]

im havin a hard time lookin at the video. its so small i cant see what you type in .. can you enlarge your next video to follow just sayin.. and yes i have my glasses and still hard to see.

[@PantheraPress]

Thank you, I think it's because I have a really huge monitor, I'll try to zoom in more. I've been trying to find a software that will track/zoom in on what I type or click, but haven't found anything yet.