• The forum upgrades have been completed. These were moderate security fixes from our software vendor and it looks like everything is working well. If you see any problems please post in the Forum Technical Support forum or email us at forum_moderator (at) aawforum.org. Thank you
  • Congratulations to Bernie Hyrtzak, People's Choice in the January 2026 Turning Challenge (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Matt Carvalho for "Red Mallee Folded Form" being selected as Turning of the Week for February 9, 2026 (click here for details)
  • AAW Symposium demonstrators announced - If the 2026 AAW International Woodturning Symposium is not on your calendar, now is the time to register. And there are discounts available if you sign up early, by Feb. 28. Early Bird pricing gives you the best rate for our 40th Anniversary Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina, June 4–7, 2026. (There are discounts for AAW chapter members too) For more information vist the discussion thread here or the AAW registration page
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Magnetic Laser Guide

M

Mike Johnson

Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
2,326
Likes
1,114
Location
Nebraska
Does anyone use a laser pointer to use as a guide for attaining specific dimensions for the wood billet?
I turn a number of wood tools that are required to be of a specific diameter depending on the tool size.
I am looking for a simple laser with a magnet mount that I can attach to the headstock and aim across
the wood billet at the predetermined height above the lathe centers. Some of the tools I turn also need
to be the same diameter along the axis of the tool, the laser would give me a target to shoot for when
turning and sanding to finished dimensions. This would also work for segmented rings needing to be
specific diameters for different sized rings.
 
I picked up a cheap laser with magnetic base at Harbor Freight today to test out the concept.
They sell a small laser with an adjustable magnetic base used on power saws to provide a target line.
I am thinking maybe a large plywood disc mounted in my bowl chuck with measurements marked on the disc as a target
to set the laser to the desired circumference of the billet to be turned to. I will have to see how accurate I can adjust the
laser to be level going out to the tail stock. I can mount the same disc on my tail stock and check the level at the far end
of the lathe to get it dialed in. I do have a dial indicator magnetic base, I might give that a try also.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top