I have such a probe sold by MAXNC for a rather expensive price. Having
seen it, I think one could be made based on 4 micro switches arranged
round a 1/4" ball end of a probe in gimbals or on small springs at its
midpoint and a 1/16 or 1/32 ball on the lower end.
If the object being probed were metallic, a simple electrical contact
could be used.
An alternative, but also expensive, would be the very useful
CNC camera from Atto Research, advertised on EBay. For the Homebrew
enthusiast there are video cameras from $40.00 up, which might be usable
if fitted with an extension tube, or with an inexpensive microcope
objective to provide a much enlarged image , and correspondingly small
depth of field. For the dyed in the wool homebrew enthusiast All
Electronics have CCD sensors and circuit boards, descibed as video
cameras w/o lenses for under $ 3.00 each. If these contain the scan
electronics, and I had spare time, I would ask the vendor for a price
break on Qty 100 and go into business buying suitable lenses (Edmund
Scientific) and making video cameras for CNC. I think finished cameras
would show a profit around two or three hundred dollars each, and parts
kits somewhat less.
Because deteriorating vision (I am 75 years old, and lost the sight
of one eye in an accident a couple of years ago) compel me to automate
my small machine shop, Gene Haskett's letter has suggested yet another
product I have not considered making besides the DIY CNC kits for SIEG
minimills and lathes, and larger tools from Grizzly and ENCO that I will
need and expect to manufacture, but have not considered making.
Thankyou Gene for a good idea.
Sincerely
John Gabriel
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