WHEW!

One piece of information I didn't realize I'd not included in the orginal post: the complete model number is GTX-U. Looking at some of the responses, it makes just a little bit of difference.

There are 10 (not 9) knobs and 3 (not 2) of them adjust the ratio.

The motor and pantograph slide from front to back along a ratio scale and is moved via a locking knob. One arm of the pantogaph is adjustable along another ratio scale and is moved manuall and locked into place via a small knob. The engraving heads (interchangeable diamond drag & rotary) move along a ratio scale on the pantograph arm opposite the arm with the scale metioned above. All three knobs are tight as are all other knobs.

I had not noticed that the master copy moved up and down in the copy holder tray...just a teensytinylittlebitty bit, but it seems Larry hit the nail on the head with that suggestion. I don't know how to solve that because not all pieces move. I'm open to suggestions.

Second problem is the age of the master copy. There is some noticable wear on many of the letters...not lots and lots, but noticable.

One problem I never imagined in my wildest fantasy is that how the letters are traced makes a difference, too. The shorter leg of the A was corrected by tracing that leg from bottom to top (no idea why, but the phenomenon is repeatable). The E was corrected when tracing as suggested.

WHEW!

As I learn the machine, trade and craft of rotary pantograph engraving I can probably guarantee I'll be back for more help.

Thanks muchly! :D