Laser spindle alignment?

[cgallery]

Hello. Someone mentioned in response to one of my previous posts that if I didn't use home switches to provide a reference for starting my cutting, that I could use the software and "jog" the spindle to where I wanted to start. Sort of like placing a drill bit where you want it to start drilling. After locating the spindle, I zero the software and let it go.

This strikes me as quite a bit easier and perhaps even more reliable that using home switches.

I wonder if anyone has developed some sort of laser guide I could place on the machine that would project a dot I could use for alignment on the workpiece? I sorta envision a small laser pointer adapted to fit on the end of the router bit.

Also, if I do want to use home and limit switches, what kind to people suggest for the most accurate repeatability?

Thanks,
Phil

[wjbzone]

Phil,
I like your idea about a laser guide for zeroing the machine. If you had a light sensor that picked up the laser, you could set zero when the pickup registered. I don't know how easy it would be to keep in alignment.

Check out the picture of how I am doing it thread "my cnc hobby" (page 2 - 4th post down).

Bill.

[HuFlungDung]

I read an article just recently on some site about just such a device used to set up serrated chuck jaws to the proper diameter. It was on that cnc instruction site
http://www.cncci.com

Look under products/helpful tools/laser jaw setter

Although "laser jaw setter" is what it is called, there is nothing stopping you from using it for other purposes. Just don't tell them when you order

[timmyb199]

maybe i am simplifing it too much but couldnt you just mount a small handheld laser pointer on the x axis , it might take a litlle aligning at first but once it set should work i ahve been thinking about it for a plasma cutter to just make zeroing on work easier

tim

[fpworks]

Since you're using your eyes to "eyeball" the laser spot, I think you're leaving a lot of accuracy and repeatability on the table. If you were able to use a type of system similar to what is used for laser "surveying" a machine tool, that would be optimal, but probably very expensive.

If you're just trying to find something like a physical point on a part, (without regards to a physical edge) a sharp point wiggler spinning in the spindle can get real close.

If you have edges to work with, the gage ring and indicator method is the most accurate/repeatable method that I can imagine.

I know these aren't as elegant as a laser locating system...I'm curious to see what you come up with!

Justin