[sdiy] Semi OT: Very high repeatability (accuracy) switches?

[Jason Tribbeck]

Hi,

> I wouldn't expect a laser pointer to be working reliably in continuous
> operation. They are designed to be on for short periods of time, an most
> probably aren't built more solid than is needed for that.

I, too, have built a CNC milling machine (although it's quite large).

What you could do is have a simpler proximity switch (magnetic?) so when it gets close to the calibration home position, it turns the laser on. Then it won't be on all the time (unless you spend a lot of time at [0,0,0]). Or use a spare output (if you have one) as an enable for the laser(s).

I'm not doing any home position calibration on mine, and will be doing it by eye - although with a laser crosshair (for the X and Y axes - Z axis will need to be done by eye anyway).
-- 
Jason Tribbeck