Ok, here is the website for the machine I bought.
I did not buy directly but I did inquire about price via email. They quoted $800 usd plus shipping.

http://www.yh114.cn/yinghebiz/index.asp

There is english button upper right hand.

The best chinese to english translator I have found is from google language tools. I use the chinese to english beta version that is listed. It works better than altavista/babelfish anyway.

Steve

I am still trying to figure out how to place objects on the table to engrave.

I am getting closer.

The laser moves out to a position when I click on output, but before I actually start engraving. The laser will move back to its home position and back out again to engrave, when I hit the Output button the second time.

It moves to the upper right hand corner of the page. In this case I have a page set up as 40mm x 40mm. The engraving is centered inside this box.

I am going to cut a 40mm x 40mm piece of plastic and engrave a mark on the center of this piece. I can then place it on the table when the laser comes out to the beginning position. I think this will help me visualize what is happening, then maybe I can really figure out how to place items.

The biggest problem is no type of reference points on the table. I have marked some points with tape. But I am thinking I will get some self adhesive rule material and stick it on both axis.

As far as I know now there is no way to pause the laser once it starts.
But I will have to double check! Pausing sure would be helpful.

I guess my point to the plastic plate cut to 40mm is so I don't have to engrave something first. I want to be able to place an item on the table and engrave it right the first time.
Right now I will engrave a piece of acrylic first, then place the item on top of that spot. I want to eliminate that step altogether.

The grid would only help if I actually engrave the table with it, is that what your suggesting? Not a bad idea really, except a large part of the table is open. The table is not solid, there is a spring clamping device built in.

Steve

I keep getting errors when I run the spell checker. Please forgive any spelling mistakes!! :)

The software page can change with each item. I use a page that is 40mm x 40mm for pet tags. But if I am making something larger then I might make the page 100mm x 100mm. There is no set page size, page size becomes the table. There is no set table size in this software. The software is not just for this laser and not customized for this lasers table.
Now, should I figure out the table size and make that my page size always? Probably! I started to do that, but then the spec's give me a max engraving size that does not match the table size. Plus the larger page size makes it harder to see the object. There does not appear to be a way to zoom up on the small item on the large page.
Also the clamping device sits in the middle of the table, and it does not hold the item centered on the table but closer to the right edge of the table.
I am spending some time this weekend trying to figure out the table and the software. There has to be ways to change and edit stuff.

Steve

If there is a jig or frame it has not been offered to me.

The clamp is poorly designed, the springs don't even allow the clamping bar to go all the way to the end of the opening. So you only have about 75% of the opening that can be used.

I am going to write the company I bought this from and see if they can answer the general question of how to use this clamp.

But your idea of making a plate that stays clamped in place is something I will give some thought to.

Steve

Don't know if it's Chinese, but if so, could this bring their equipment a step closer to gaining widespread credibillity?

A person on Sawmill Creek pointed to this site.

http://a4dableww.com/500short.htm

Hey Dave,

Sorry to beat this old dead horse, but I'm just now getting caught up on the forum. This is a Chinese machine, built by the direct competition of the company I bought from. I checked both of them out before buying. I suppose it is my duty to give you all the in-depth treatment of my machine... I suspect it will be time consuming, but as a thank you to all who have helped me I will do it! I'll start a new tread in the next few days.

Oh, buy the way I have it on good authority that a company from the good ol' US of A is getting ready to enter the laser engraver market -- it sounds like the bridge between cheap Chinese and expensive main stream may be upon us. I don't want to step on any toes, so I'm not saying anything else about it yet.

Ron