DIY Laser levelling using webcam and laser level

[devmonkey]

In the pursuit of madness I have just done another test on the milling table with the better quality laser, I did 6 runs each with different parts of the laser line some with the laser inverted, with the angle of incidence to the table random, etc. Again 10 stations over 500mm. Results are very consistent which makes me think there was something wrong with my last test.



I don't think the laser mount is anywhere near stiff enough, it takes a few minutes for it to stop moving around on the screen to start a run and by the end of the run it has drifted by at least half the error of the run. Note that I haven't been testing with the laser on that desk rather out in the garage on a heavy bench over the bench leg.




I think this laser needs to be clamped to a vblock attached to a lump of iron. It also has a focusing ring attached which works well other than it wobbles the laser all over the place. This might need to be locked in place as well.I have now gone from 'borrowing' the laser to owning it so it might well get some locktite on the focus slider.

If anyone else wants one to play with they are sold here, £40.
https://odicforce.com/epages/05c54fb...Products/OFL72