Lazer

Bruno of NH · June 07, 2019, 06:22:43 PM

Has anyone added a laser on their edger?
I want one for the fixed blade
Thanks Bruno

Ron Wenrich · June 08, 2019, 05:54:09 AM

On the circle mill, we had fixed lasers for the headsaw which showed your saw line. It was attached to the trusses overhead and shooting back onto the carriage. You could do the same where it is behind the edger, so it isn't shining in your eyes.

I don't know about the new ones, but those older ones washed out in sunlight pretty quick. We had our carriage end pretty dark and it was still a challenge to see it.

YellowHammer · June 08, 2019, 07:44:35 AM

I have two types of "edgers", a Baker twin blade, two laser edger and also a straight line rip saw with a laser. I love the lasers.

I had Baker to custom build my edger, and along with other things, they put on two lasers, and tried to set it up as a twin blade SLR for me to edge green and KD wood. Twin lasers may seem like overkill but with a laser on the fixed blade, I almost never use the right fence because its too easy to use the laser to set and sight down both edges.

Since I use the Baker to edge as much KD wood as green, most KD boards will have curve, and the fence won't work anyway. Also, any over cut is money into the dumpster, so its important for me to be able to line up and shave edges like using my SLR instead of hogging off just the bark. The lasers will let me do that.

My SLR has a red laser, the Baker has two green, and we use them under cover of a roof, and no sunlight, otherwise they wash out.

Bruno of NH · June 08, 2019, 08:56:38 AM

I was looking at some green ones
My edger is under cover
Where would I look to buy one?

doc henderson · June 08, 2019, 09:04:57 AM

I got mine off amazon, about 30 bucks. It was 5 v but came with a power transformer to 110 volts so I used an inverter from 12v to 110 off the mill battery. so the key is also finding a way to power it. it was green and I got the highest power mA. I think it would run off a computer cord/car adapter as well so could go from 12 to 5 v directly.

Bruno of NH · June 08, 2019, 09:16:56 AM

Doc
Did it come with mounting hardware?

doc henderson · June 08, 2019, 10:18:57 AM

yes, It has a round base with screw holes and a couple wing nuts for adjustment. I used HD gorilla double sided tape to mount it, and my mill is outside so I bring it in when not in use. I will try to add a pic if you like, but I am OOT today.

doc henderson · June 08, 2019, 10:31:03 AM

If you search green laser you can see a pic of it mounted on my sawmill and other info from others. I know I could have pain more, and I could have pain less. I have good shade and can see it well. You will have to see what works best for your application. I use it so I can see when the blade is about to enter the wood and know when to stop when pulling back, behind the cant. I will forward you more info when I get home, maybe it was not Amazon,

doc henderson · June 08, 2019, 10:40:34 AM

I found a past pm and I said 20 bucks from amazon. It was a 50 mW green line laser. The person who I got info recommended apinex brand. they were 150$, hope that helps.

Bruno of NH · June 08, 2019, 10:42:09 AM

Doc
Thanks

PAmizerman · June 10, 2019, 11:19:52 PM

@Bruno of NH how's the edger working out for you? I am thinking about getting a Riehl with electric motor next year.
I want to be able to add a kicker to it like Peter's. Does the Riehl push the board out far enough that it can be pushed off the outfeed table without catching on the frame? Thanks