laser measuring

[engineerone]

anyone know how these work??

for instance if you want to make a saw handle, and want to make one which is the same as a favourite, how would you measure it?

i am wondering whether a laser would be able to do this, so i
could then later put the data into a computer, and create a plan.

paul

[jfc]

Draw around it and shape it until it feels nicer than the one you liked ;D

[cnc paul]

Paul,

You can use a laser scanner to create a 3D model which is great if you want to machine one on a CNC. I have a touch probe on my CNC which will either produce a 3D point cloud or a 2D DXF file for the perimeter.

The easiest way is to photo copy the handle, cut out the copy with a knife and then stick it on your piece of wood for a guide.


Paul

[engineerone]

i understand what you are both saying, but i was asked the question.

my mate also has a probe paul, but it seems to be very slow, so i wondered whether there might be a quicker way, and one hopes to lasers would do so.

the other thing about the probes is that i understand that they are difficult to avoid all the pitfalls whereas of course a pencil will give you a more average idea.

paul

[cnc paul]

Paul,

What are the pitfalls of the probe ?

Most of my copying is either done with a photograph or photcopy
that is imported into my Cad sofware where I drawer around the
profile or detail, between each of the node I can convert any line into
an arc or bezier to match the object




Paul

[engineerone]

since i have not used one paul, i can only ask questions based on what i was told

the one my mate uses seems to take along time, but i can see what you have said might well make sense, and save the time.

you could of course then slice the drawing to give the depth shape too.

thanks

paul

[mrgrimsdale]

There used to be a simple sort of probe thing known as a pencil. You sharpen the end and probe around the profile with it, on to a piece of paper, or a bit of wood. It worked surprisingly well - they knew a few tricks in the old days! I wonder if you can still get them?

Jan 8, 2009 22:31:48 GMT engineerone said:

you could of course then slice the drawing to give the depth shape too.

CT scanner?

PS Good news - I found a 'pencil' in our local shop. I had to prove that I was local too, before she would let me near it. It was on a dusty shelf at the back, between the clay pipes and the brylcream.
Unfortunately it came with no manual or software; so far all I've managed to do with it is get it stuck up my nose.

[cnc paul]

Pencil

Don't be silly Jacob, thats far too easy .... occasionally they can be seen on the Antiques Road Show. ;D


Paul