DIY video visualizer for hollowing

[Michael Moster]

I saw the awesome video visualizer for hollowing on Trent Bosch's YouTube and because I'm cheap and a pack rat, I had everything I needed to make it for free! It was very simple to do and now... no more guessing as to how close my cutter is to the edge when hollowing .

All you need is an old Webcam and a laptop computer. So I could keep my laptop further away from the lathe, I used an old monitor for the video output and a USB extension cable for the camera. Most laptops (at least the older ones anyways) will have a VGA or other port that will allow you to use a 2nd monitor or projector.
I built a platform for the monitor that goes on and off a wall bracket easily so it's not there if it's not in use.

 

[Darryn Achall]

I used the tripod to hold a tablet. Easy to adjust the monitor position for using a steady rest. Webcam has a long usb cord that runs along the wall and plugs directly into the tablet. I have a wireless mouse on the shelf near the end of the lathe to adjust the camera software settings. I've been using this setup for a couple of years and only have one issue. The cheap webcams eventually succumb to vibration and fail. For less than $30 each I can keep a spare webcam or two around. Takes 10 minutes to change one out and I have to do it once or twice a year. Have fun with your setup!

 

[Michael Moster]

That looks like a great setup! Thanks for your reply!

 

[John Roemer]

I used the tripod to hold a tablet. Easy to adjust the monitor position for using a steady rest. Webcam has a long usb cord that runs along the wall and plugs directly into the tablet. I have a wireless mouse on the shelf near the end of the lathe to adjust the camera software settings. I've been using this setup for a couple of years and only have one issue. The cheap webcams eventually succumb to vibration and fail. For less than $30 each I can keep a spare webcam or two around. Takes 10 minutes to change one out and I have to do it once or twice a year. Have fun with your setup!

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What camera are you using. Is it hdmi.

 

[Michael Moster]

No... just an old USB Webcam that I had kicking around. It works well though.

 

[John Roemer]

No... just an old USB Webcam that I had kicking around. It works well though.

Thanks

 

[Darryn Achall]

What camera are you using. Is it hdmi.

I use a regular usb webcam that runs to the usb input on a tablet. Anywhere from $20 to $60 online.

 

[John Roemer]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Stan Pressner]

What did you all use for the rods and fittings? I am using copper pipe, but it is a tad flimsy.

 

[John Roemer]

I’m using a Jamieson boring bar. The vertical bar coming off the bottom steel bar and the horizontal bar above the steel bar are aluminum. They are connected by tight fitting plastic fittings. The bottom one is T-shaped, and the horizontal part of the T was specifically fitted before shipping. The bar is made to carry a laser and I am using a slightly heavier 4K HDMI camera and run the cables along the top horizontal bar to the monitor. I do not have any problematic vibrations. everything was purchased on Amazon. Based on my bicycling experience, aluminum is somewhat more rigid than copper so I have no real expertise.

 

[Doug Freeman]

I built mine "computerless" about 5 years ago. It uses a small hidden camera, ~$40 no longer available, but the specific model doesn't matter. I had an old VGA monitor, and used a BNC/VGA signal converter vs using a computer. Depending an what pieces you have, just match up the camera out and monitor in for the signal converter. I have the Jamieson system with laser support. I put together a camera mount that slips in place of the laser.

The monitor mount was easy. I have a Nova Galaxi with the outrigger, which includes the tool post that takes 1" rests. I bought a desk mount 1" dia monitar stand, and just drop it in the tool post. I use 3 cutters with the system - 3/16" hss, the tilted carbide, or a 8.9mm flat top carbide. I made circle templates printed on transparencies, a 6mm and an 8.9mm center, that are taped to the monitor. No drawing/erasing. The template circles are sized such that true size is depicted on the monitor. It depends on the camera lens and distance from the cutter what the magnification is. It's easily determined by placing a ruler under the camera and then measuring on the screen. Some use some software that can project the cutter onto the screen, but that's $'s for a computer and the software - great for demonstrators, but an individual doesn't need it.