Laser replacement options/sources

[Ricc Havens]

I have a Jamieson captured hollowing rig. Bought it used from a club member. It came with two lasers. But no matter which lase I use it keeps acting up and cutting out - even with fresh batteries! I know I can buy one direct from Lyle Jamieson for $30 plus shipping but was wondering if anyone had other sources or recommendations on lasers for hollowing rigs?



Thanks
Ricc

[John Keeton]

The problem is the vibration messes with the battery contacts. Direct wire it with a transformer - https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?211159-Monster-hollowing-rig-AC-DC-conversion&highlight=

[Edward Weingarden]

I also found that Lyle's laser light did not hold up well, presumably from the vibration. There's any number of laser "pens" on Amazon for $10-$15. You may need to make adjustments/modify the laser holding clamp on the Jamieson rig to accommodate a different laser pen.

[Richard Coers]

I had an issue with my Jamieson laser. I contacted him and he sent me a new one free of charge. Nice guy, wonderful customer service.

[Peter Blair]

I too had problems with my laser system and found changing to a camera and tv system removed the issues

[Ricc Havens]

I had an issue with my Jamieson laser. I contacted him and he sent me a new one free of charge. Nice guy, wonderful customer service.


Richard, I didn't buy this direct from him. I bought it used from a club member so no expected warranty. I didn't want him to feel like he had to give me a new one since I didn't buy from him.

[Ricc Havens]

I too had problems with my laser system and found changing to a camera and tv system removed the issues


Peter, that's my ultimate goal. But, I can't afford the video system right now on my disability income. Buying the hollowing system used took the extra bucks I had set aside. Maybe someday!

Thanks
Ricc

[Richard Coers]

Peter, that's my ultimate goal. But, I can't afford the video system right now on my disability income. Buying the hollowing system used took the extra bucks I had set aside. Maybe someday!

Thanks
Ricc
If you have an old laptop, you can do a video system for about $15. Pull the laser from the Jamieson holder and slip in an inspection camera from eBay. Run it to the laptop, throw a piece of acetate over the screen, and layout your envelope with a dry erase marker. Half the price of a replacement laser. If you don't have an old laptop, used ones are always available on Craigslist or put a call out to friends and neighbors. That's what I did, and have a laptop that I use, plus a backup. So I truly have less than $15 in mine.

[Ricc Havens]

If you have an old laptop, you can do a video system for about $15. Pull the laser from the Jamieson holder and slip in an inspection camera from eBay. Run it to the laptop, throw a piece of acetate over the screen, and layout your envelope with a dry erase marker. Half the price of a replacement laser. If you don't have an old laptop, used ones are always available on Craigslist or put a call out to friends and neighbors. That's what I did, and have a laptop that I use, plus a backup. So I truly have less than $15 in mine.


Richard, thanks for the idea. I don't have a laptop. I did check local craigslist. No cheap one available. Must be due to the stay at home orders and all the home schooling. but the cheapest in my area on CL was $125. My budget is tight due to disability income. I've looked at other DYI video systems using small monitors used for backup cameras and those systems cost about the same as buying the used laptop itself. So I'll just have to hold off for now on the video system unless I come across a real cheap laptop or something.

Thanks
Ricc

[Chris A Lawrence]

Richard, thanks for the idea. I don't have a laptop. I did check local craigslist. No cheap one available. Must be due to the stay at home orders and all the home schooling. but the cheapest in my area on CL was $125. My budget is tight due to disability income. I've looked at other DYI video systems using small monitors used for backup cameras and those systems cost about the same as buying the used laptop itself. So I'll just have to hold off for now on the video system unless I come across a real cheap laptop or something.

Thanks
Ricc

Do you have a smart phone? You can get those inspection cameras with a micro usb plug that will plug into any android phone. I am sure they make them with apple connectors as well. I use one that plugs into my android tablet.

[david privett]

Simple wood working tools has a 120 volt to 5 volt USB combo laser , I have had real good luck with , no battery's a plus to me. It might take some fitting to your stuff though. but to look at on their site might help.

[Ricc Havens]

Chris - I do have a smart phone but don't want to use it for a camera monitor. I have vision issues and would want a larger monitor than a smart phone.

David thanks - I'll check it out.

Thanks everyone for the ideas!

Ricc

[Peter Blair]

Not sure how much help it might be but I did do a blog about my system a few years ago. There Might still be a tidbit or two that could be helpful. One thing for sure is that I went through a few different pieces before I settled on my system and maybe this could help others. If you are interested please check it out at https://woodbowlsandthings.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=852&action=edit

[Paul Williams]

I have several older laptops from my kids college days sitting around in the basement. I assume they run earlier windows systems like Win 2000 or Win XP. None have built in cameras. What would it take to use these with a camera? Is it just a matter of finding a driver? Ricc, I would be glad to send you one if I could get it to work with a camera. Time to clean out the basement of kid's stuff that has been here for too many years.

[Richard Coers]

I have several older laptops from my kids college days sitting around in the basement. I assume they run earlier windows systems like Win 2000 or Win XP. None have built in cameras. What would it take to use these with a camera? Is it just a matter of finding a driver? Ricc, I would be glad to send you one if I could get it to work with a camera. Time to clean out the basement of kid's stuff that has been here for too many years.
The camera I bought is a USB and didn't boot up right away. They included a software disc, so loaded that, and now there is a shortcut on the screen to start it. Now you can get a WiFi camera for $22. Countless number of cameras on eBay, but look for operating system compatibility.

[Rick Gibson]

For a laser you can also check your local dollar store. They have them there for a dollar or two as toys to torment your cat with.

[Ricc Havens]

I have several older laptops from my kids college days sitting around in the basement. I assume they run earlier windows systems like Win 2000 or Win XP. None have built in cameras. What would it take to use these with a camera? Is it just a matter of finding a driver? Ricc, I would be glad to send you one if I could get it to work with a camera. Time to clean out the basement of kid's stuff that has been here for too many years.

Pete - thank for the offer. But, in my small shop I don't really have the a place for a laptop near my lathe headstock. that's why I'm looking to the future of hoping to get a system put together with the smaller monitor from a backup camera or similar that I have seen others use.


Richard & Rick - thanks for the ideas!


Ricc