laser

[joe marra]

Just finished making a hollowing system, need a laser for it, any suggestions?

[Paul Gilbert]

Check out this thread before buying a laser. Using an inexpensive CCTV camera in making a woodturned hollow form (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pidLwThKHSw)
and this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpHdjFFs1bc&feature=share

I bought this one, Amazon.com : 7 inch TFT LCD Digital Car Rear View Monitor with Waterproof Car Rear View Camera combo : Vehicle Backup Cameras : Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Monitor-Waterproof-Camera-combo/dp/B005C76ZXC/ref=pd_sim_422_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=00FVEMSYDDK3XX1EN1ZW) , but don't have it hooked up yet.

For lasers, search ebay for: laser focusable red dot 5mw. I bought these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-650nm-5mW-Red-Dot-Focusable-Adjustable-Lens-Laser-Module-3V-DC-/251456858142?hash=item3a8bff281e

Mount them in a shop made block and hook them up to a couple of AA batteries. On my Jamieson hollowing rig (home made) I used Boat Railing fittings for my laser holder.

[Thom Sturgill]

I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WSJJ48K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01
but like Paul have not hooked it up yet as I am reworking (and thinking about scrapping) my existing system. I am going to the GAW symposium in a couple of weeks, and am going to look at Jameison's rig and Steyer's GIZMO. I may buy one of them and adapt the laser.

[Steve Doerr]

Well, I have purchased the same setup that Paul mentioned. Like Paul and Thom, I have not hooked up the system yet. (I putting it on my Monster articulating arm hollowing tool.) I did purchase a power plugin for the new system at Radio Shack yesterday for $15. So, I'm hoping to get it all together in the next few days.

Why switch from laser?--There were several reasons that I'm going this direction instead of replacing my laser. 1) The cost of a good laser is higher than the cost of the backup camera and TFT screeen. 2) Most of the time to see the laser really well, I had to turn the lights off in the shop. 3) Every time you get a different cutting point on the cutting tool, you have to readjust the laser. Just some thoughts for you to consider.

[Bill Blasic]

Here is my take on the subject. I use either the Kelton Hollowers or the John Jordan Hollowers when hollowing. I use either the Monster system or Alan Trout's Hollowing system. I do three tool changes starting with the initial tool, with those changes I position the laser once for each change. That is three total laser positionings, 1. straight tool for first half 2. swan neck for under the curve 3. back to the straight tool for the bottom half. These tools cutting edges are the perfect size for doing what I do with the laser as I know where the cutting edge is in relation to the laser. I tried the visual thing with the camera and I still have to draw the line around the tool 3 times. So what have I gained - a laptop sitting on the lathe and a wire that has to wind its way to the laptop, more stuff to get in the way. And now I have to look up to see the image instead of watching the piece. I have never had a problem with seeing either systems laser and my shop is well lit. I personally see no advantage to the visualizer thing. And with very little searching great lasers can be found for $5 or $6.

[Dwight Rutherford]

I tried the CTV set up and came to the same conclusion that Bill has. Have gone back to a focused laser and AA battery pack like the one Paul describes above.

[Dane Riley]

Just finished making a hollowing system, need a laser for it, any suggestions?

I use this laser,, http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/VLM-650-03-LPA/VLM-650-03-LPA-ND/413761 . Very bright, fits in a small drilled hole.
Also need a battery holder with switch. http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/SBH321AS/SBH321AS-ND/275301

Sorry for the late reply.

[joe marra]

Thanks all for input.