Circles look like ovals

I'm having an issue where things that are supposed to be circles are coming out looking like ovals. I am having a hard time troubleshooting this so I thought maybe someone has had a similar issue. I searched the forum and didn't find it... maybe it is there and I just missed it.

Here is what I have tried:
1. I tightened both x and y axis belts... they are tight.
2. I checked the calibration of both axis. They both matched exactly... like within 0.01" over 14 inches.
3. I have tried lowering and raising the amperage... no change.
4. I have tried raising and lowering the arc length.
5. I have played with different feedrates... no change.
6. I have pulled the torch out and ran the program with a pen.

See the attached pictures. Not only do the circles look like ovals.... there is way too much slag.

I can think of two possibilities:
1. There is too much play in the y gantry. It isn't super stout. I can move it with my hand... I just didn't really think that it needed to be super stout considering it is plasma and not milling. Also, why is the test with the pen bad?
2. Some software setting in LinuxCNC that I am not aware of.

I'm a new-comer to the world of LinuxCNC and plasma CNC. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your response. I had the same thought at first that the holes might be too small for the material thickness. So I also ran a test with a pen and paper and got the same ovals. Also, the large circles are elliptical in the same direction as the small holes.

Hi Rick,

Adapt this line in your post-processor or in top of g-code file :
G40 G64 P0.005 (machine follow path accuracy)
Cut your sample at 2000mm/min.

Then your holes look like this :


If not, your hardware needs modification.