Vision Engraving & Routing Systems VE-810 User manual

VE-810 Engraver
Operations Manual
Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
17621 N. Black Canyon Hwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
www.visionengravers.com

Copyright 

1999 Vision Computerized Engraving & Routing Systems
(A Division of Western Engravers Supply, Inc.)
All Rights Reserved
This publication is protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or
transmitted by any means or in any form, without prior written consent from Vision.
Limits of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty for this Equipment Manual
The information contained within this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate, however, Vision
makes no representations or warranties for this manual, and assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, or
omissions that may be contained within this manual. In no event shall Vision be liable for any loss of profit including
(but not limited to) direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from any defect or
omission in this manual, even if previously advised of the possibility of such damages.
In the interest of continued product development, Vision reserves the right to make improvements to this manual and the
products it describes at any time, without notice or obligation.

Table of Contents iii
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 - BEFORE YOU BEGIN.......................................................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................5
SAFETY ............................................................................................................................................................................5
UNPACKING AND TAKING INVENTORY .............................................................................................................................6
MACHINE DESCRIPTION & TERMINOLOGY.......................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................. 11
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................................11
CONNECTING THE TABLE ...............................................................................................................................................17
CONFIGURING THE COMPUTER .......................................................................................................................................19
CHAPTER 3 - OPERATIONS...................................................................................................................................... 21
THE FRONT PANEL.........................................................................................................................................................21
HOLDING DOWN MATERIAL ............................................................................................................................................24
DIAMOND DRAG ENGRAVING ........................................................................................................................................25
ROTARY ENGRAVING .....................................................................................................................................................27
BURNISH ENGRAVING ....................................................................................................................................................29
CHAPTER 4 - OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES.............................................................................................................. 33
CLAMPING DEVICES .......................................................................................................................................................33
VACUUM CHIP REMOVAL SYSTEM.................................................................................................................................40
CHAPTER 5 - MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................................. 41
REMOVING CHIPS...........................................................................................................................................................41
LUBRICATION.................................................................................................................................................................42
CHANGING THE MOTOR BELT ........................................................................................................................................43
CHANGING THE MOTOR BRUSHES..................................................................................................................................47
CLEANING THE FAN FILTER............................................................................................................................................50
REPLACING THE EXTERNAL FUSES.................................................................................................................................51
REPLACING THE INTERNAL FUSE....................................................................................................................................52
CHAPTER 6 - TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................................... 55
ENGRAVING PROBLEMS .................................................................................................................................................55
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS...............................................................................................................................................58
INDEX............................................................................................................................................................................. 61

iv VE810 Engraver Manual

Chapter 1 - Before You Begin 5
Chapter 1 - Before You Begin
Introduction
About This Manual
This manual is designed to provide you with information about your Vision VE-810
engraver, beginning with unpacking the machine and continuing through installation and
lifetime machine maintenance. This manual does not attempt to teach you how to
engrave, how to use a computer or how to use your engraving software. Some previous
knowledge of engraving terms and the engraving process is assumed. For information
on the Vision Engraving Software, see the Vision Engraving Software manual. For
more information on your individual computer system, see your computer’s user manual or
contact your computer distributor.
Safety
Safety Precautions for the VE-810 Engraver
Ø Keep hands clear of the bottom of the spindle during operation.
Ø Always stop the machine before making any adjustments.
Ø Do not operate the machine with the covers removed.
Ø Wear safety glasses when cutting any materials that emit chips.
Ø Use extreme caution when inserting or removing cutters.
Ø Before any servicing, disconnect the power cord.
Ø To avoid electric shock or equipment damage, ensure that the control unit is connected
to the appropriate electrical source as noted in the installation procedures.
Ø Never operate the equipment with damaged or frayed power cords, loose connections,
or exposed extension cords where someone can step on the cord and create a tripping
hazard.
Ø Be sure to hold the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting the controller from an
electrical socket or power source.

6 VE810 Engraver Manual
Ø Place the machine in a location with low humidity and a minimum of dust. Avoid
placing the equipment in direct sunlight or in locations with excessive heat. Follow the
maintenance instructions for proper cleaning of the controller air filter.
Ø If your machine does not operate properly; in particular, if there are any unusual
sounds or smells coming from it, immediately unplug it and contact a service technician
or your local distributor.
Ø Unplug the machine when it is going to be left unused for an extended period of time.
Unpacking and Taking Inventory
The VE-810 engraving system has been shipped in one carton, unless other accessories
have been ordered with the machine that will not fit in the box. Examine the condition of
the box for external damage. In the event of apparent external damage, notify your
shipping carrier upon receipt, and call your sales representative or Vision immediately.
Note: The shipping container is considered reusable and should be stored for use in the
event of service need or upgrade.
Step1:
Open the foam packed shipping carton. In the top of the carton will be a cardboard box
with all of the machine accessories (including this manual). Open the accessory box and
the following items should be included:
ü 1 VE-810 Machine
ü 1 VE-810 Warranty Card
ü 1 Vision Software Manual
ü 1 Vision Software CD
ü 1 Vision Keyboard Template
ü 1 Vision Font Catalog
ü 1 Operations Manual
ü 1 Mouse Pad
ü 2 Spare 5 Amp Fuses
ü 1 Spare 1 Amp Fuse
ü 1 Power Cord
ü 1 Interface Cable
ü 1 Interface Cable Adapter (25 pin to 9 pin)
ü 1 Extra 14“ Motor Belt
ü 1 Allen Wrench Set
ü 1 Cutter Wrench
Check to see that all of the items are included. Should any of the contents be missing,
damaged, or of the incorrect type, please call your sales representative or Vision
immediately.
Step 2:

Chapter 1 - Before You Begin 7
Prepare a clean, level surface to put the engraving machine on. Carefully lift the machine
out of the carton and place it on the table.
Step 3:
After unpacking the machine, make sure that you SAVE THE CARTON, FOAM PACK and
ANY OTHER BOXES. They can be reused in the event the system must be transported
to another location or returned for service. Improper packaging for shipment can damage
the table or controller and may void the warranty.
Machine Description & Terminology
This chapter briefly describes the major components of the VE-810 table. Figure 1.1
shows a labeled drawing of the VE-810 Engraver. This chapter will help you identify the
parts of your table discussed elsewhere in the manual.
*Optional equipment such as accessory vises, clamps, fixtures or vacuum systems
may have been included with your system. For information regarding this
equipment, see the individual instructions for these options. For descriptions of
controllers, computers, and software used in your system, see the manuals from the
manufacturers of these units.
TABLE SPECIFICATIONS:
Z-Axis Clearance: 1 inch (25.4 mm)
(Definition: the distance between the bottom of the spindle and the work surface)
Z-Axis Stroke: 1 inch (25.4 mm)
(Definition: the travel distance of the Z-axis mechanism or spindle)
Table Resolution: .001 inch
(Definition: the smallest controlled motion the table is capable of)
Engraving Area: 8” x 10“ (203.2 mm x 254 mm)
Overall Dimensions: 14 1/2” Tall x 19“ Wide x 22” Deep
368 mm Tall x 483 mm Wide x 559 mm Deep
Table Top: Removable T-Slot
Shipping Weight: 65 lbs.
Shipping Dimensions: 27“ x 22” x 19“
DEFINITION OF TERMS (see Figure 1.1)
1. X-Axis Leadscrew - The screw that drives the left to right motion of the machine.
2. X-Axis Linear Rails - The 1/2” round rails that the carriage assembly rides on.

8 VE810 Engraver Manual
3. Y-Axis Linear Rails - The 1/2“ round rails that the t-slot table rides on.
4. Y-Axis Leadscrew - The screw that drives the front to back motion of the machine.
5. T-Slot Table - Also referred to as the work surface, this aluminum bed supported by the
Y-Axis linear rails allows placement of the engraving material or special clamps and
fixtures. The slots in the table are shaped with an upside-down T, with the bottom of the T
being a single-line slot across the top of the table. The slots are used to hold various
accessory holders, clamps, and jigs.
6. Front Panel - This is the area in which you control the table movement. You can start,
stop, pause, cancel a job and set the spindle surface. Also, you can control the speed at
which the table moves and the spindle RPM.
7. Quick Lock Vise - This is the clamp assembly that is included with the VE-810
Engraver that allows you to lock your material on the T-Slot table.
8. Table Home Position - This is the place on the T-Slot table where you position your
engraving material. All work is referenced from this position.
9. Spindle - This is the part where the engraving cutters are inserted and adjusted for
depth of cut.
10. Spindle Motor Pulley - This is where the motor belt runs from. It runs from the
spindle motor pulley to the spindle causing the spindle to turn. (The spindle motor pulley is
hidden by the cover. In order to see it, you must remove the covers).
(Figure 1.1) The VE-810 top view

Chapter 1 - Before You Begin 9
1. X-Axis Leadscrew 2. X-Axis Linear Rails
3. Y-Axis Linear Rails
4. Y-Axis Leadscrew
5. T-Slot Table
8. Table Home Position
6. Front Panel
9. Spindle
10. Spindle Motor Pulley
7. Quick Lock Vise
11. Spindle Up/Down Knob - This knob raises and lowers the spindle when the power is
off. You will see it turn as the spindle moves up and down while engraving.
12. Down Pressure Spring Adjust - This knob adjusts the amount of pressure that the
spindle applies on the material being engraved. Looking down from the top, turning it
clockwise will increase pressure and turning it counter-clockwise will decrease pressure.
13. Spindle Pulley - This is the top part of the spindle where the motor belt rides.
14. Spindle Micrometer - This is the part of the spindle that you adjust to set the depth of
engraving. Turning it to the right will cause the engraving to be deeper.
15. Spindle Nose Cone - This is the part of the spindle that rides on the material while
engraving. The cutter protrudes from the bottom of the nose cone creating your depth of
cut.
(Figure 1.2) The VE-810 carriage view

10 VE810 Engraver Manual
0
11.
S
pindle Up/Down Knob
12. Down Pressure Spring Adjust
13. Spindle Pulley
14. Spindle Micrometer
15. Spindle Nose Cone

Chapter 2 - Installation 11
Chapter 2 - Installation
Software Installation
The VISION installation program guides you step-by-step. All the information you need
appears on the screen as you install the program. Read each screen carefully and follow
all prompts. If you make an error in the installation, do not panic. All setup information
can be changed later from within VISION.
While running Windows, insert the VISION CD-ROM into the CD drive. If your CD-ROM
drive has the auto start feature enabled, the Vision Installation will start automatically. If
the auto start is not enabled, then you will need to do the following:
Select Start… Run… from the toolbar on the Windows desktop.
Type the location of the CD drive followed by ”:\setup.exe“ in the command line.

12 VE810 Engraver Manual
Click on OK.
The installation process will now begin.
Click on Next.

Chapter 2 - Installation 13
Select Vision Engraving Software and click Next.
Note: You can install a demo version of Vision Pro at a later time if you would like. This
will allow you to evaluate the Vision Pro program.
Select which version of Vision you would like and click Next. The choices are Vision
Windows or Vision Dos.
The Vision Software installation will now continue.
Click on Next.

14 VE810 Engraver Manual
The Vision Software License Agreement will now be shown. In order to continue the
Vision Installation, you must click Accept.
Select a folder or leave the default folder as is and click Next.
Note: If you install Vision to a directory or drive other than the default (C:\VisWin), you will
need to edit one of the Vision program files to reflect this change after Vision is installed.
Once installed, go to the Windows Start Menu, go to Programs, then to Vision Engraving
Software and click on Edit Vision defaults. This will bring up the Cipher.sys file into the
Windows Notepad. Go to the section in the file that says Default Job Load Directory and
change it from C:\VisWin\Jobs to the drive and directory that you installed Vision into. You
will need to change the Default Job Load Directory, the Default Job Save Directory, the
Default Job Logo Directory and the Default Job Font Directory values.

Chapter 2 - Installation 15
Select Complete Installation and click Next
Select the type of system you have and click Next.

16 VE810 Engraver Manual
Select a Program Group Name or leave it as it is and select Finish
The software installation is now complete. Select OK
To run the Vision software, select the Vision icon from the desktop or from the Start Menu
- Programs - Vision Engraving Software group.

Chapter 2 - Installation 17
Connecting the Table
There are two connections that must be made to the VE-810 engraver. The power input
and the serial connection (See Figure 2.1)
(Figure 2.1) The VE-810 rear view
1. Serial Number Tag
2. Power Input
4.
Se
ri
a
l
Co
nn
ec
ti
o
n
3. Fan
The power input is where you plug the power cord into the VE-810. The VE-810 can
accept 110 volt or 220 volt power depending on which the machine is set for. To change
the power input setting, you must follow the following instructions:
1. Locate the fuse assembly on the machine’s rear back panel.
Note: Picture for Fig. 1 shows the fuse box removed from your machine, you will NOT
have to remove it from your machine to complete this procedure.
2. Use a small screwdriver to snap out the fuse and voltage ”select“ cartridge.
3. Lift the locking tab on the fuse cartridge and pull out the fuse holder. (See Fig. 2 below)
4. Lift the locking tab on the voltage ”select“ section of the cartridge. (See Fig. 3 below)
5. Rotate the voltage selector to the desired voltage and re-insert it into the fuse cartridge
until the voltage shows through the window. (The close up picture shows the arrow
pointing to the selected voltage.)
6. Re-insert the fuse holder into the cartridge. (See Fig. 4)
7. Insert the cartridge back into the connector housing. (See Fig. 4)

18 VE810 Engraver Manual
Fi
g.
1
Fuse and voltage
“select” cartridge
Locking tab
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fuse holder
Locking tab
Voltage selection cartridge
Voltage selector window
Connector housing
Fig. 4
The serial connection is where you connect the computer to the VE-810. The VE-810
accessory box contains a white serial cable. Connect one end to the VE-810 and screw in
the thumbscrews. The other end connects to your computer.
Your computer will have one of two different types of serial port connectors on the back.
One will be a 9-pin connector and the other will be a 25-pin connector. If you have a 9-pin
connector, you can plug the white serial cable directly into the computer. If your computer
has a 25-pin connector, you can use the 9-pin to 25-pin adapter included with the VE-810
to connect the cable to your computer. (See Fig 2.2 below)
(Figure 2.2) The 9 pin and 25 pin plug

Chapter 2 - Installation 19
Configuring the Computer
In order for the VE-810 to run properly, you must configure your computer’s serial port. To
do this, follow this sequence: Right mouse click on the My Computer icon on your
Windows desktop. Go to properties. Click on Device Manager. Double click on Ports and
then double click on the serial port that the engraver is connected to. Click on Port
Settings. The settings should look like the picture below. If not, change them to match.

20 VE810 Engraver Manual
Click on OK twice and then re start Vision.
Your computer is now configured to run Vision with the VE-810 Engraver.