Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Visualizer hollowing system
john lucas
For those who have built one what camera did you use. I purchased an inexpensive back up camera with monitor. The camera is tool short of a focal length (to wide angle). So the image is too small. I need one with a longer focal length but really have no idea where to look.
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
Jeff Smith
John - I bought all the stuff to put it together based on allen zenreich’s advice a while back (it was quite a while ago and posted on the AAW forum as I recall). When looking for the camera he reccommended, I found it was obsolete, but still available as new ‘old’ stock at B&H Photo. It allows focussing the lens and has a good focal length. I put the system together and plugged in to see what I’d get, and all looked good on a small, 7” monitor. It is a Swan security camera, I’ll have to dig for the model # if you need it, let me know.
Full disclosure - I haven’t finished putting it all together, nor have I actually used it for hollowing yet. I was planning to get to it this week...
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
Mike Brazeau
I have bought the stuff that Allan outlined but have never put it all together yet. It is the Swann ADS-120 Home Indoor Security Camera. Took a while to get it and that was probably about 18 months ago.
Re: Visualizer hollowing system *LINK*
Dick Coers
Not this exact inspection camera, but very similar. They exact one is not sold any longer. I took the laser pointer out of the holder, and put this in. Plugged it into a small laptop and it is basically a one to one scale. Works great.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-10M-6LED-USB-Waterproof-Endoscope-Borescope-Snake-Inspection-Camera-Scope-7MM/111803101241?epid=930027993&hash=item1a07fbf039:m:mkNX2AoKM62gYqt4CmarD2Q
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
john lucas
Well that looks interesting. Don't think it will workwith the monitor that I bought. Would it work with my phone or notebook.
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
Dick Coers
It lists system compatibility at the bottom of the info. If you search for USB inspection cameras on eBay, you can find systems that work with specific phones. I'm not one to ask about computer compatibilities.
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
George Balock
John, I used a camera designed for a drone. I’m on the road, bu after I get home, I can send you the particulars and how I’ve set it up.
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
Sam Force
This is 1 I bought, works great
SWANN SWADS-MINICAM-US MicroCam HD 720p Mini Pinhole Camera
Be the first to review this item
Price: $24.99 & FREE Shipping
Ships from and sold by CCTV-GUY.
Less than 2" height
720p HD or 960H capability
Perfect for discreet & covert surveillance
Connects directly to TV video-in socket
Mounts to walls, ceilings & flat surfaces indoors
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
john lucas
Just ordered that one. Thanks George. Now I hope it's not to hard to figure out how to wire it up to my existing system.
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
Ric Taylor
John, I use a Night Owl security camera. It is about the size of a lipstick tube, inexpensive, and I can focus it on my fingerprints to get a very clear image. I found a new 14" flat screen TV on eBay for about $60. It is a great system.
I know that many turners are using the backup cameras and the USB cameras, but they are really missing out on the capabilities. The monitors on the backup cameras are way too small which prevents precision movement of the hollowing cutter. What you see on the monitor is much smaller than what is happening in real life inside the hollow form. I tried the USB cameras and immediately threw them away because of the poor image quality.
With my system (good camera and 14" monitor) what I am seeing is a magnified view of what the cutter is doing, about twice the size. I can very precisely and easily control the cutter. If I want to I can easily make a hollow form with a smooth 1/16" wall thickness that requires no sanding (dry wood). I'm not trying to open the old "thinner is better" argument, I'm just saying the capability is there and it is done very easily.
With my system there is no back pain from hunching over and fighting with the hollowing system. I just relax, stand straight up and operate my hollowing system with my fingertips while listening to my music.
Re: Visualizer hollowing system
Damon McLaughlin
John, several of us in our woodturning club are using this Swann camera. Excellent angle of view an the focus is adjustable. There is a small philips set screw that needs to be loosened and then the lens cap rotated. I'm using it in conjunction with a 21" tv, others are using it with a larger screen and some with a 7" back up monitor. The video looks great on all of them.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074CH9JBT/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1