one of the more useful gadgets I found for my bot.

[Steve knight]

setting up a cnc router is one of the more important chores I have found that needs to be easy but accurate. I bought one of these lasers and it really has become one of the most useful tools
http://www.lasercenteredgefinder.com/main.html
Since I zero on a jig or on material this makes it every easy to zero on a corner. but whats cool about it is setting up a cut or jig. you can use it to get something nice and straight. so all my jogs are easy to take off and put back on now. but it also lets you check a cut easier then air cutting since you can see where the cut will be.
I have never seen a laser with such a small dot. it is like a pencil dot.
Now I just need one in every size bit I use so I don't have to change collets (G)

[Keith Outten]

Thanks Steve,

I just placed an order for the mini with a 1/4" shank. Hopefully I can make a 1/4 to 1/2" slip adapter so I can use it in either of my collets.

Did you purchase the Super ZZero fixture? I have one but haven't used it yet.

.

[Steve knight]

I kind of wish I got a 1/4" shaft and used the sleeve. but I also use 5/16" and 1/8" and 3/8" so it may have been pointless. I have the Super ZZero but when I go to the newest shopbot control software I can't get it to work. others have not had the problem.
I really liked it and you did not have to change bits most of the time. some bits were not practical to zero in it.
I have found so many uses for the laser on other machines it is the better investment. the only small problem is getting small enough steps to get it exactly where you want it. sometimes you can't do it with a keyboard and need to type it in.

[Keith Outten]

I caught the link from the ShopBot Forum to a UTube video of the guy using a Shuttle Pro controler with a laser pointer together. It seems the controler he was using made it real easy to move the router to the exact point he needed for his zero reference. Here is the link to the video in case you missed it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc-9gTFj-y4

[Steve knight]

I thought about getting one but rembering what everything does would be a pain. plus tapping a arrow would move the machine less then a little twist of the dial. I still have to type in sometimes to get the exact corner since the jumps are a little bigger then I want sometimes anyway. so I got a snall keyboard it works well and I know what everything does (G)

[Keith Outten]

Seems reasonable.

I was thinking of getting a small keyboard and a USB extension to get closer for making fine adjustments. I'll have to give it some thought.

When the laser pointer is delivered I will finally have to force myself to make some changes to my DC foot so I will be able to see the pointer. This is something I have been putting off for a long time.
.

[Steve knight]

just raise the z as much as you can should do it my boot has the front removable so it works well. here is the keyboard I got and a 12' extension
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...OTC-GOOGLEBASE
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...9301&CatId=444

the keyboard is sure handy. I am thinking of putting a monitor where I can see it. my computer faces my both and is about 4' away in front.