Anyone having issues with 90 degree MC Etcher not etching glass. I have had 3 projects with progressive failure to etch. I started with the recommended settings of 0.15 inch DOC and set screw turned 1/2 turn once spring is engaged. Paper method to zero Z axis. It took 2 passes to get everything to etch.
Second project had same settings. Took about 5 times to get everything to etch.
Today, I couldn’t get the etcher to scratch the surface until I tightened the screw in the bit all the way down then backed off until I could compress the tip about 2 mm. I zeroed the Z Axis as before and added another -1mm to leave about 1 mm of possible travel and maximum pressure without cracking the glass. It finally started etching, but only in places. As I repeated the toolpaths, it would extend the etching from the places it had started. I finally quit trying.
I’m wondering if the bit is defective. Anyone with similar experience or thoughts?
Thanks
Do you have a microscope or a loupe to inspect tip of the MC Etcher? The diamond might have broken off or chipped.
Inspecting the glass for any defects, that may catch and brake the diamond tip, before running a job, is also a good practice.
I usually use water or kerosene to lubricate and cool diamond glass cutters and drag engravers.
Also do not run the engraver off the edge of the glass, the diamond can brake off or chip.
Thanks for the response. I don’t have a loop or microscope, the surfaces didn’t have any defects and all of the toolpaths. Start at center and never get that close to the edge let alone cross the edge for the tip to catch. Customer support is looking at the issue, I’ve sent pictures and a video as well as design files and code. It looks to me to be s defect in the engraver since it started at the beginning.
Not all glass is the same, some is substantially harder than others depending on the annealing and composition.
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