Re: laser tool setter

I use Keyence products, shoots a fine focused beam from one side of the table to the other. If the tool breaks the beam during the test it must be there. You could make your own with a LED and a photocell that detects the light. There you would need to be close, So your idea of the C shape would be great. That is the cheapest but some electronics would be needed to convert a photocell signal to 0 to 5volt on/off or to a relay that completes a circuit that the macro can use.

I use tool detection before every tool change to see if the tool broke during the routine cut. If not found, Error condition.

Tool Diameter is done with a know diameter Ring or Pocket. Calculates the size based on going to the center of the ring or pocket. Probe in four directions and calculate the differences in probing points. Too expensive to use a beam to measure sizes. But they do make them. Single beams will not work very accurately due to refraction. Contact is more accurate, the only issue is the tool shape or orientation during contact. I sometime run the spindle at very, very low RPM to make sure that I find the outside diameter.

Tool Length is done by qualifying my spindle face off a touch point then touching the tool tip to the same touch point. The calculated difference is then automatically stored as the tool length.

I did find Ebay has a lot of used Keyence products. You might keep an eye out for one. I love em, they have some cool products. And they all work well in the right application. Tricky to learn to program some of them tho. Relatively cheap PLC's and they are easy to use, download the free software comes with a simulator. And no I don't sell for them, I just found they do what they claim and do it well.

Good Luck and have Fun.