Constabulary Report post Posted January 14, 2015 I noticed that some mfg´s offer "laser guides" for their machines. I was wondering if such an device makes sense at all as there is no physical guidance - it´s just a line of light but that does not make you sew straight seams - right? So I was looking around a bit and found some cheap parts for tinkering on Ebay. - Line laser for ~2€ - Battery Box for ~2.20€ - Cable Clamp for ~5€ (for 2) - some cable from the spare parts box So thats less than 10€ incl. shipping for a "Laser Guide" - I thought thats worth to give it a try. I have chosen a stick on cable clamp as I don´t wanted to have anything permanent for just trying it out. It works OK. And here is the result: Old cable removed and soldered a longer cable between the parts. I only found just one useful purpose for my work and that is sewing straight line between 2 fixed spots like the corners of box tacks but only when the distance is not too long. I think on distances longer than approx. 5"- 6" it does not make sense. Or you have but some reference marks on the material. Other that that I absolutely do not see any advantage but I have to admit thats the X-box tacks look better now as you don´t have to make corrections while sewing when you are a bit out of line. So for me it is a funny gadget but I don´t see many useful purposes. I will try it for a while to see what else it is good for. What is you experience with laser guides? Any opinions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishful Report post Posted January 14, 2015 Coincidentally, I just picked up a small laser that was for a circular saw. I still have to mount it somehow, it has a magnetic base but does not swivel to the proper spot. It is longer than yours but is battery operated. I like the idea 'cus there is never enough light to see well enough.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
makitmama Report post Posted January 14, 2015 I have built in laser guides on two of my machines- a BabyLock embroidery machine, and a Bernina quilter. The babylock also has a camera, so that when I am lining up embroidery motifs I can be precise. I don't use them for sewing a straight seam much, as I have a lot of experience. However, for matching sewing and quilting patterns, nothing beats them! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregg From Keystone Sewing Report post Posted January 14, 2015 Embroidery machines have laser pattern tracing, and there are many laser systems for sewing machines that have been around for a while, most of them pricey for sure by todays standards. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted January 15, 2015 (edited) I could see it being useful on my machine. Its much easier to line up a nice bright red laser than trying to do a line of sight with the stitching groove and needle. Edited January 15, 2015 by Colt W Knight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregg From Keystone Sewing Report post Posted January 15, 2015 Sweet, that's a nice setup for sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simontuntelder Report post Posted January 15, 2015 I might give that one a go. I'm very strict when it comes to sewing straight, however I'm not that experienced behind a sewing machine. I could see some uses for this. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
