How to Cut 3x6 on a Torchmate 4400

I am trying to cut out a 3x6 sign with torchmate 4400. How do you get the part that doesn't fit on the table cut? I understand about using the Hatchet tool to cut apart. From that point I'm lost. If you get the sheet moved correctly to where it is still lined up, how does it know where you stopped and it is suppose to start again? Is there someplace you can find step by step instructions?

 

You are creating two .gm files one for the first half, once you have saved the .gm file for that you are going to move it to the side and drop your second half tot he bottom left corner and save the .gm file for the 2nd half. Cut the first half, move your sheet down then cut the second half. You can use the same program zero for both halves.

 

Just to clarify, when I use the hatchet tool, do I do it using the open path or the closed path. I don't want the torch to cut it apart.

 

Would need to be open, otherwise it would cut the part in half.

 

Ok, when I make the cut file only a part of it shows up. Most the design disappears. What could I be doing wrong?

 

Ahh... first thing I tell my customers. First real paying job on a 4x4 is a 3x6. Love how Murphy Works.

So here is the process in a nut shell as takes a little practice and dry runs to make sure you are right. There are probably 14 ways to do this but this is "my" way. Basically you are cutting one side then cutting two index lines. These index lines are your key as they create a common cut on both sides to verify line up. Then you move the material and use the cut lines left side for PROGRAM ZERO and to verify the material is square on the table.

1. Make your MATERIAL SIZE 36.63 x 72.25 by go to LAYOUT/MATERIAL SIZE
2. Place your design at the x 0.25 y 0
3. Generate a GUIDE at the spot you want to split the design by off clicking and then right clicking. This will bring up the guide. Pop in a measurement and boom GUIDE.
4. Select the item you want to split and grab the hatchet tool and select the OPEN This will open the PEN tool. Hover over the GUIDE LINE and it will snap to it. Left click at the start and move over to the other side and left click.
5. Once you have your line press APPLY at the top and will split the design in half. One side will turn into LINES and the other side will show FILL. Reason for that is to show that you are no longer a CLOSED SHAPE but just OPEN line segments.
6. So now is the time to generate the INDEX lines as these will help get your material straight and help with line up. Grab the GRAPHIC EDIT TOOL and select the first pencil. Hold the CTRL key down so you get a straight line and left click to left click to generate the line.
7. Size the line to .25-.5 wide pending on how much material you are using. Select it and DUPLICATE it (ctrl + D). Place one at the x0 y36 and the other at the x36 y36 mark. Select both of the straight lines and ARRANGE/MAKE PATH (ctrl + H) then DUPLICATE the set again.
8. Generate your tool paths on one half of your design. Keep in mind lead ins and kerf correction gets wonky with open segments so you might have to play around with the tool pathing. Switch between VIEW/SHOW TOOL PATHS ONLY and VIEW/SHOW TOOL PATHS to get better views.
9. Once your tool paths are in place on one side select the LINES and make a ONLINE TOOL PATH on those.
10. Go to VIEW/SHOW TOOL PATHS ONLY and SELECT ALL (ctrl + A). We will sequence the cut to have the design cut first and the straight lines cut last. GO to LAYOUT/SEQUENCE/START SEQUENCE BY LIST. Press TOOL PATHS ONLY. This will then only show the tool paths generated. Move the whole group to FIRST or just move the small lines TO BACK. Press OK.
11. SELECT ALL (ctrl + A) put in the lower corner and MACHINE OUTPUT. Name it.
12. Now onto the second. First we need to move the first and its party out of the way. Go to VIEW/SHOW TOOL PATHS. Lasso around the bottom portion and make sure you grab the lines. Then grab the other lines and put them into the x0 y 36 placement. Lasso around the top and move to the x0 y0 placement.
13. Now repeat the steps generating the tool path. During the SEQUENCING portion make the small lines cut first.
14. Once one the Machine you will cut file 1. Then on the second file you will move the material and line up and square to the cut lines. Your PROGRAM ZERO will be the left end of the left straight line.
15. DRY RUN it to verify that things line up. Keep in mind the KERF CORRECTION as on straight lines will have a little overburn built in.
16. DRY RUN
17. DRY RUN
18. DRY RUN
19. Once comfortable ... ACTIVE RUN.

Whew... Hope this gets you in the correct direction

 

I think I'm going to have to print that out and laminate - that is excellent!