The cutting tip knob has a value range of -10 to +5, allowing you to adjust the focus position within this range. However, when processing certain materials, such as 4 mm #45 carbon steel, the required value may exceed this range. In such cases, turning the knob alone won't suffice. Instead, the U-shaped component and extension tube are necessary for precise adjustment.

This article explains the adjustment method when the value exceeds the cutting tip knob range [-10,5]*.

*[-10,5] means values ranging from -10 to +5, which includes -10 and +5.

Value exceeding the range [-10,5]

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Adjustment steps

Step 1: Ensure that the welding head has been calibrated

Before processing, you need to complete all the calibration tasks in xTool software, including calibrating the welding head (torch) focus position.

For instruction details, visit xTool MetalFab CNC Cutter - Unboxing and First Use and watch the video from 10:38.

Step 2: Check if the extension tube is needed

1. After choosing your processing material in xTool software, the parameters will be automatically set. Check if the recommended nozzle is required to use with an extension tube.

2. If an extension tube is needed, install it by following the instructions in How to install a new nozzle.

Step 3: Adjust the cutting tip knob

1. After clicking Process in xTool software, you may notice the Focus position on the right panel in the Check before processing page.
2. Check if the value next to Focus position is within the range [-10,5]
3. 1. If yes, turn the cutting tip knob to the required scale value. For details, visit How to Adjust the Cutting Tip Knob.
   2. If not, proceed to Step 4.

(Optional) Step 4: Adjust the U-shaped component

If the value next to Focus position exceeds the range [-10,5], turn the cutting tip knob to its minimum value -10 or maximum value 5, then adjust the U-shaped component accordingly.

For example, the value is -13. The adjustment steps include:

1. Turn the cutting tip knob to -10.
2. Adjust the U-shaped component. Specifically, lower the U-shaped component by 3.
   For example, if the U-shaped component is at the value 1, lower it to the value -2.

Examples

Example 1: Focus position = 0 (Cutting 0.5 mm ASTM-A36 carbon steel)

In the Check before processing page, the recommended focus position for this carbon steel is 0, and an extension tube is not needed. Therefore,

1. Ensure that no extension tube is installed.
2. Ensure that the cutting tip knob is turned to the value 0.

Example 2: Focus position = -2 (Cutting 8 mm ASTM-A36 carbon steel)

In the Check before processing page, the recommended focus position for this carbon steel is -2, and an extension tube is needed. Therefore,

1. Ensure that the extension tube is well installed.
2. Ensure that the cutting tip knob is turned to the value -2.

Example 3: Focus position = 6 (Cutting 8 mm CS-A/B galvanized sheet)

In the Check before processing page, the recommended focus position for this carbon steel is 6, and an extension tube is needed. Therefore,

1. Ensure that the extension tube is well installed.
2. Turn the cutting tip knob to its maximum value, 5.
3. Lift the U-shaped component by 1.
   For example, if the U-shaped component is at the value 1, lift it to the value 2.

Example 4: Focus position = -13 (Cutting 6 mm 304 stainless steel）

In the Check before processing page, the recommended focus position for this carbon steel is -13, and an extension tube is not needed. Therefore,

1. Ensure that no extension tube is installed.
2. Turn the cutting tip knob to its minimum value, -10.
3. Lower the U-shaped component by 3.
   For example, if the U-shaped component is at the value 1, lower it to the value -2.

Further learning

The preceding chapters have already explained how to adjust to the desired value when the cutting tip knob range is exceeded. If you want to dive into the basic logic behind the adjustment, read the following to gain more information.

Key definitions

Calculation logic for example 3

In the xTool-recommended materials and parameters table, the recommended focus position for this carbon steel is 6, and the 20 mm extension tube is needed.

1. Before any calculation, ensure that the device's zero focus is 0 or "adjusted" to 0.
2. 1. If zero focus = 0, proceed to the next step.
   2. If zero focus ≠ 0, adjust the U-shaped component first.
      For example, if the device's zero focus is -1, you need to adjust the U-shaped component to -1, so as to compensate for the manufacturing tolerances.
2. Install the 20 mm extension tube.
3. Turn the cutting tip knob to its maximum value, 5.
   However, since the value in Focus position (mm) is 6, and 6-5=1, we still need an additional 1.
4. Adjust the U-shaped component. Add 1 to its current value.
   For example, if the U-shaped component is now at the value -1, since -1+1=0, we need to adjust the component to the value 0.

The following table shows the calculation based on different scenarios.

Related links

• xTool-Recommended Materials and Parameters for xTool MetalFab CNC Cutter (Complete Version)
• xTool MetalFab CNC Cutter - Unboxing and First Use
• User Guide for xTool MetalFab CNC Cutter
• How to Adjust the U-shaped Component of the Cutting Tip
• How to Adjust the Cutting Tip Knob
• How to Install the Extension Tube