Is there a nightly limit to the number of dumb questions?

Is there a down and dirty way in X3 to set up one job (a golf divot repair tool in this case with a page size set to the actual dimension of the tool) stack 4 or 5 of them in the laser vertically, and tell Corel to go down and do each one? Is there an easy way to do this without creating some kind of template? I thought I saw a tutorial one time where this was done but I can't seem to find it.

Thanks!

Mr. Quest,

The most efficient way to do multiples is to make a template.

We simply made our Chewbarka divot tool template out of 1/4" plywood, marking the positions of each piece. The CorelDRAW file was then saved, and saved AGAIN under a new name (such as "divot tool working copy").

To run the parts, we simply put the text/graphics in the CD template (which now shows the exact location of each part).

If you set up your page size to be the same as an individual tool, there's no way (that I know of) to tell the laser to move to another location to engrave a separate "page".

Why wouldn't you want to create a template for multiples? If you're fairly proficient with CorelDRAW, it should only take a few minutes to do.

I hope this helps!

Cody

Adding to the last post.

Click on the background page and the toolbar will show an offset set of parameters. Set X to something more than the width of the tool. If the tool is 1.25" set it to something convenient like 1.5". Set Y to 0.00.

After the first image of the tool is in place use Ctrl-D to duplicate it at that distance. Follow the instructions in the previous post to make the template and set up the engraving.

Doing them horizontally will save a lot of time rather than vertically in the engraving. Again the acceleration/deceleration time.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Wow. Now you've REALLY lost me! :-$ 

Why would you have to re-focus? Wouldn't the focus be the same regardless of where on the flat table the item is located?

Your reference to stacking vertically, sounded as if the pieces are placed on top of each other, like a stack of CDs.

That's the way I originally understood it.

We know that's not the case, but if it were, refocusing would be necessary for each piece.

Sorry about that!

I meant vertically down the tray, versus horizontally across. I may be somewhat inept, but I wouldn't try to stack them!

You know I have been copying and pasteing for years and never thought to check for a better way. I do this almost every day. I guess the saying that you can't teach an old dog new tricks is not true since you just taught me one that will save a great deal of time (and I am definitly and old dog).
Thanks Harvey,
Bill

You would be surprised what some people will try!

After reading the other posts, I realize that "vertical" (as in z axis) is not what was meant. One at a time engraving can be accomplished in multiples by arranging the artwork in a line in the Y axis. Use the transform command, and you can make as many as you need in the x or y axis. You must make the page size the same as your table size. If you have a laser like my last one (from the company which will remain nameless), and you make a template, by the time you need to use it again, your home position has changed, rendering your template useless. To avoid templates altogether, put paper or cardboard on your table and lightly scribe your part locations on it, place your parts in the outlines and laser them; they will be spot-on. This also helps if the parts vary slightly, you can "eyeball" them to get them centered properly.