Laser Goniometer

Laser Goniometer

A laser goniometer is used to identify the edge angles on a knife.

This tool is made as 3 pieces:

1. Scale: used for reading the angles (the white part in the picture).
   • There is a hole built into the scale for hanging the tool (e.g., on pegboard). This is shown in the lower right part of the picture.
2. Laser: a strong laser (the red part in the picture). The selected laser is actually colored black.
   • A thumb screw holds the laser in place on the scale.
   • The laser has a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and uses a USB charger to recharge the laser’s battery. Such a charger is not included.
3. Magnet Tool Holder: a part which uses magnets to hold the knife being measured (the blue part in the picture).
   • The magnets are mounted so that they and the retaining screws’ heads are below the surface of the bracket, helping to reduce the chances for scratching the knife’s surface.
   • Two thumb screws hold the tool holder in position against the scale, and allow it to be realigned as necessary.

Usage Instructions

Instructions for the use of this tool are available at the Sharpening Handbook in the jigs section where it outlines the laser goniometer.

CAUTION: Lasers are not toys Do not point any laser toward a person’s eye or a pet’s eye. This laser has a very real risk of causing eye damage within a very short time. Staring into such a beam for several seconds is likely to cause damage to the eye. Do not point any laser toward civil or military aviation. This can cause temporary blindness in the aviators, and is illegal in most locations. Do not point a laser toward a person’s body. Pointing a laser at a person’s body could be perceived by that person as coming from a weapon’s laser sighting system. That person may be armed and fire their weapon at you.

Accuracy?

My testing has shown this to be accurate to 1°, and possibly ½°.

Pricing and Notes

This jig is mostly 3D-printed as this allows me to keep the cost down.

Scale

The scale is 3D-printed in a light color so that the laser light will show well: I usually use white. Other colors may be available. If you have a preference, please let me know when you order it.

The scale comes with a laser. This way I can confirm that it fits into the scale and works as expected. This quality control step is performed before shipping to ensure you get a tool which works when you open the box.

The laser uses a typical USB charger, but the laser does not come with such a charger.

Magnetic Tool Holder

The magnetic tool holder can be any color, but I recommend it be a darker color: I typically use either black or blue. Other colors may be available. If you have a preference, please let me know when you order it.

Other Notes

Prices shown do not include taxes nor shipping. Shipping is usually via the U.S. Postal Service using a flat rate medium box.

To order one, please send an eMail to ColvinTools@Gmail.com.

Want to 3D Print your Own?

If you want to 3D print one of these, the plans are available at the Sharpening Handbook in the jigs section where it outlines the laser goniometer. My only requirement when you do this is that you only make them for your personal use and that you not offer them for sale.