First trial of my Trent Bosch Visualizer knock-off

Re: First trial of my Trent Bosch Visualizer knock

John K Jordan

>the laser spot has some width and it is difficult to tell exactly

>where the center (or either edge) is exactly.

I have a precision laser center/locater for my milling machine. It has a bright dot so bright that you can't tell where the center is. However, there is a bezel you turn to make the dot smaller and sharper (it also gets dimmer). I THINK I remember reading it was a simple rotating polarizing filter - if the laser light is polarized anyway rotating a filter might give you a more precise dot. (I don't know if most laser diodes are polarized, and if so are they linearly or circularly polarized; I'd have to study that.) If not polarized, two crossed filters may work. It would be easy enough to try. I see Edmond Scientific carries polarizing films.

Also, if this could work with a green laser it would be SO much easier to see in a lighted room, perhaps even if sharpened with a polarizer.

JKJ

Re: First trial of my Trent Bosch Visualizer knock

Hal Taylor

I too have used the "Zenreich" system and like it a lot. But for me it's much quicker to use the laser - less set up time. I've found to get a better laser point just tape the end and put a pin hole for the light. If too small just enlarge.

Re: First trial of my Trent Bosch Visualizer knock

Dick Coers

I'm a real fan, bet you are going to love it. My favorite use is when working with the minimum size opening. Often I cut into the vessel, with the side of the cutter, while snaking in the cutter. So when using the camera, I know where the side of the cutter is, like 1/4" back from the tip. I'm never going back to the laser.

Re: First trial of my Trent Bosch Visualizer knock

Alan Zenreich

Just to clarify...

Although I made a video with details for using a security camera in the live video feed, a number of people had (including Michael Gibson) also made videos of similar systems using automobile backup cameras and other video equipment.

I don't actually use this technique in my own shop.

I thought this technique would be useful as an inexpensive introduction to using video in hollowing, and that it might even spur sales of the commercial products being produced by some fine vendors.

The CCTV camera technique is one of three hollowing configurations I showed in my "Using Live Video in Woodturning" clip on YouTube. Another, more flexible configuration uses a webcam and a computer to capture and display the image.

The configuration I personally use is based on iPhones as video devices that allow a detailed graphic to be superimposed over the live video feed. It is very flexible and has features found nowhere else.

I am working on a detailed video of that configuration, and the only reason I am delaying is that the graphic app I was using has been discontinued, and I was waiting for the replacement so I can update the video I was about to publish. That one should be coming soon.

As I mentioned in the overview video, I didn't set out to use video in hollowing. I used live video originally to help Lauren with her inkwork, then extended the technology to spindle turning and then to hollowing. Hopefully, others will use it for pyrography, coring, etc. etc.

So if there is an 'Alan Z.' technique, it would be the iPhone approach with a graphic overlay, not the rudimentary (but still effective) 'draw on the monitor' technique.

Re: First trial of my Trent Bosch Visualizer knock

Brad Vietje

Doesn't really matter how large the laser spot is -- you need to measure the gap between your tool in a given orientation and the inner edge of the laser spot. When the spot just falls off the outside of the vessel, you're there. If the spot were 2" wide, it wouldn't matter, as long as the edge of the dot were fairly clear and sharp.

I have not tried the method Alan Z and others have described, but it sure looks cool!

Safe spinning,

Brad Vietje

Newbury, Vt

Once You Go "Camera", You Never Go Back     

Re: Once You Go "Camera", You Never Go Back   

Dwight Rutherford

I tried the camera and didn't find it to be an improvement over my laser set up. Each to their own.

Re: Once You Go "Camera", You Never Go Back   

BILL BLASIC

I also find the laser a better choice for me. I have seen Alan's setup and it is a lot slicker than anything else I have tried or seen.