Pantograph engraving problems

[cobblers.keys]

When it comes to engraving large items I use my tx3 pantograph. However when I came to use it yesterday the engraving was all ghosting/out of line etc. Everything seemed to be tight and set up normal but after this happened I don't feel comfortable using it again. Does anyone have any idea on what the problem and solution would be?? 

Thanks again 

[hibsjo(SCO)]

ye got any pics?

out of line? is large item sitting square

is line of text sitting square

are you sure all arms are at same settings and secured tightly

cant think of anything els just now been a while since i used one

carry on!

[cobblers.keys]

Problem is now fixed. All set up again.

Thanks

[Gray]

Be good to share how you fixed it. And don't think you will look silly if it was a simple fix. We are all here to learn. I'm 48 years into this trade of shoe repairs, key cutting and engraving and still learning stuff. 

[cobblers.keys]

Well as I mentioned I didn't dare use it again and I'm not to clued up on the maintenance of these (or any) machine so I gave pantograph services a call who gave me a phone number of a semi retired engineer who doesn't live too far away from me. He came to my shop on Friday for a couple of hours, gave it a look over, changed the diamond tip. £200 job done. Now I am up and running again. 

[Gray]

1 hour ago, cobblers.keys said:

Well as I mentioned I didn't dare use it again and I'm not to clued up on the maintenance of these (or any) machine so I gave pantograph services a call who gave me a phone number of a semi retired engineer who doesn't live too far away from me. He came to my shop on Friday for a couple of hours, gave it a look over, changed the diamond tip. £200 job done. Now I am up and running again. 

Did you not think to eliminate the diamond first?  And to be fair Hibs did ask you for pictures, we could have diagnosed the problem. Could have saved you £200.

[cobblers.keys]

The diamond tip was bought from pantograph services less than 12 months ago so didn't think it would be that. I was to embarrassed to put a picture on here. It has had a good drench of wd40 on all moving parts so is now loosened up. As I can now use it again I will get that £200 ASAP in jobs. 

[Gray]

I hate WD40 .  So for £200 WD40 cured it?  Try GT85 as an alternative to WD40. 

 

 

[grahamparker]

1 hour ago, Gray said:

I hate WD40 .  So for £200 WD40 cured it?  Try GT85 as an alternative to WD40. 

 

 

Sand is a better solution than WD40 at least you know what you get with sand.

WD40 when used should always have a proper lubricant applied afterwards (preferably not used in the first place).

The amount of locks we see destroyed by the corrosive and sticky nature of WD40 is unreal.

Spray a squeaky hinge with WD40 and for a couple of weeks it will be fine then it will slowly become worse over time than it was to start with.

Great for water displacement though.

[kirkybob]

WD40 = Water displacment recipe 40

[cobblers.keys]

2 hours ago, Gray said:

So for £200 WD40 cured it?  Try GT85 as an alternative to WD40. 

 

 

I like to think it took a bit more than WD40 to sort it out. That's what I tell myself to justify the £200 price tag. 

[Gray]

Keep telling yourself that then. Personally I think you were ripped off.

 

[cobblers.keys]

Truth be told so do I, but when an "engineer" comes on a call out and does whatever he does to get the thing up and running then gives you his bill it is very difficult to quiz him. It is an awkward situation to be in. 

[Flash]

Depends, how long was he at your premises? How far did he have to travel?  Did he fit any parts? If so how much did they cost?

Same old story, for fixing problem, no charge, for knowing how to fix problem £200.

[JamesST]

Seems a bit steep, especially if didn't travel too far. Plus if it took 2 hours to determine that it needed a bit of lubrication then maybe they need to re-check their credentials. But as you said, lesson learnt, we've all been there.