RDWorks Pen Up/Pen Down function

[Stuart Cook]

Just set up my laser and am trying to adjust the focus to cut a bit deeper into acrylic. Does anyone know the procedure for using this. I see a "Read" button, but how is it used? Do I enter read and then enter an amount to move or enter the "read dimension" + or - the amount I want to move?

[John Lifer]

OK, I'll send someone else to another site, again. Go to rdworkslab.com and download the English manual and then Read It!
The Read button reads your settings out of the controller and the write sends what is in rdworks program in your computer back to the controller! Be careful with this or you will overwrite your settings.

Back to the original question, you would move the table up, either with the controller z button or manually. Depending on your machine.
Btw, put machine in your signature! Might help us. To help you.

[Bert Kemp]

You want to make sure the lens is at the proper focus distance then you would use a little more power to cut deeper. Raising and lowering the table will just take you out of focus and you will get a wider kerf and less cutting power.

[John Lifer]

true, I was not being specific enough..

[Stuart Cook]

I am a forum member at RDWorks lab, read the manual, and feel the manual does not describe what I am asking. I do not see a Write option in my software (V 8.01.21) see the attached screenshot. I did note on one of Russ's videos (I think it was #86) that he adjusted the focus closer to the acrylic to get a clean flame polished edge. Since I am new at this, I am looking for an accurate way to manually adjust focus to specific heights from auto focus. Thanks.
351965

[Bill George]

It was a pretty basic question OP could have figured out on his own, adjusting focus is not rocket science. Getting where You want it might be close to it however. I would look fur the Up/Down manual focus procedure and forget Autofocus which I think your trying to set up.

[John Lifer]

Sorry, I use version 19 and I'd suggest you do the same (or version 18) as there are significant differences from 19 to 21 and 21 is still a beta version.
Also version 21 files are not compatible with earlier versions. could be a problem.

This setting is under advanced in version 19 and as far as I can tell, pen does nothing. mine is left blank. Z is the axis for vertical (table up/down) in all the other settings. Now your laser might be wired different. it IS Chinese :)
And sorry, I'm hesitant when it comes to read and write.

[Bert Kemp]

I agree with Bill forget the auto focus and learn how to manual focus. Its just as quick once you know how and probably a more precise focus.

[Stuart Cook]

Thanks for the info. I am new to lasers (but I have built two cnc routers) and just want to do things the right way. If manually focusing is better practice I'll give it a try. The laser did come with the acrylic piece for manual focus. I have read the manual several times and watched a ton of videos... there is a lot to take in. I just don't want to make any stupid mistakes. I think I will try version 18 or 19.

Thanks!