I got this crazy idea the other day to try building a DIY laser tool measuring system. A quick search of the Internet showed that commercial solutions were in the thousands of dollars, and only one guy on Youtube has a working DIY example. I found the laser sensor he is using on Ebay for $75. Now it's in my shop and I have to make good on the attempt. Anyone else tried doing this? Anyone got any advice?
Measuring tool length should be easy, use the same procedure as with a touch plate. The diameter may be a bit more difficult. Cutters are not always symmetrical within the volume of their rotation. I figure I would need to spin the tool to get an accurate measurement. This would avoid with asymmetry and would only require measuring laterally from one direction.
Edit: I forgot to mention that it has a 80mm throat opening and is repeatable within 5μm. It takes 10v to 30v DC and acts a PNP switch.
-Freeman