Another Newbie

[Jonathan]

I can see myself trying this sort of job... Would tabs solve the problem Jazz??

Tabs will clearly hold it, but they wont stop it flexing in the middle which is the main problem with a thin soft material like copper. It doesn't have to bend much for the engraving to be ruined, however you might get away with it, could always try double sided tape and tabs. The tape wont last long with flood coolant, but it may last long enough so long as your bed is impervious.

One way to get round the bending is the probing compensation method, though clearly it's preferable to get it flat to start with:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwgT9sCL8fs

I should think with some combination of the methods mentioned so far you'll find something that will work. Designing in a couple of strategically placed screw holes is a lot easier. On this keyring (1.6mm brass) I had one hole and double sided tape. That held it easily, but no coolant...

What cutting area do you require in X,Y & Z. .?

Next question will be what's the biggest you can do for £1500!