DIY Laser levelling using webcam and laser level

[JAZZCNC]

I may still use the epoxy if this doesn't work out but this thread is about developing a open source optical metrology system using very cheap components for the benefit of anyone who wants to measure anything accurately to few microns.

Don't get me wrong I'm not putting down or knocking this thread or what you are doing, so what ever floats your boat, I'm sure it will help someone with time to waste or true need for it.!
However, my comments are aimed to help those reading threads like this and think this sort of setup is what's needed to build a good router, you included. My point being it's NOT.!

I thought you'd be well up for that given your pet hate of people quoting accuracy figures they cannot measure.

Yes, it is and I may just read this thread completely to see how you have validated that your setup is actually accurate because from the little I've read I'm seeing references to measuring against steel rules, etc and I've yet to see or own steel rule that is straight to micron levels.!

Unless you validate using calibrated measuring devices then you cannot possibly claim your accurate to micron levels. Because no matter how good the idea or wish it to be or fool self into thinking it is accurate, only a calibrated validation speaks the truth.

I know this only too well because as I've got deeper into building machines I've invested in better measuring devices and calibrated granite surfaces plates etc and for several years I believed my really expensive engineer's squares were square, right up till the day I bought my calibrated granite triangle.!!

Some projects do require better than 60um accuracy, or at least calibration of that level of error. For example I want to use the machine currently under construction or one of its offspring to position high power magnets into a halbach array for a coreless axial flux PMDC EV motor I'm developing, this needs 10um accuracy under quite significant magnetic load.

Ye good luck with that using a router made from thin-walled steel tube which is less than well braced, that will between heat variations and resonance make low micron level machining a pipe dream.

Dean,
For novice readers who are trying to work out what they should be doing to make a CNC router with performance that is both adequate and practically achieveable your comments are equally valuable.

Exactley why I make these kind of post's Kit.
I know lots of people think I'm just being a Dick head or awkward for the sake of it and don't like me saying what I do or how I say it. The truth isn't often welcome or popular.!
But they're not the ones who get hundreds of messages and emails from first time builders or people lurking in the background watching, reading these threads asking for help or clarity.

You wouldn't believe the amount of messages I get from people who have never posted or built a machine but have been on the forum for several years watching, trying to make sense of it all, only to get completely Kaffuddled by all the crap that gets spouted, often by those with little to no experience of building a machine but head a full of brains overthinking what's required. (This is not a go at anyone here either like I say whatever floats your boat),

However, I will never NOT say something when I see overly complicated ideas being applied to building a router type machine. Because it's not needed so needs to be said for the sake of others.
If you or anyone feels the need to go to these levels then fine crack on, I wish you well, but don't get upset when it's pointed out it's not needed for a router.