Laser Alignment of Longarm Frame
Resolving Longarm Quilting Frame alignment problems with a laser....
Sensitive free-motion quilters require a level and flat Frame to allow precise control of the longarm to enable a smooth quilting experience - and when they don't have that performance they want it "Fixed"...."Now"....
If you have a single-section Frame or exclusively use a computerized quilting system you likely will not encounter these problems.
I have worked with hundreds of quilters over the last several months mostly via online/email but also several in their homes to resolve Frame performance issues (please search this site for more write-ups and feel free to PM me and I will load you up with detailed pictures and instructions to dig into and hopefully resolve the problem(s) with your Frame).
One big challenge in tracking down Frame levelness/flatness problems is "measuring" them - a spirit/bubble level is often the only instrument available and is subject to "interpretation" on where the bubble is - enter a painter/carpenter laser.
This write-up covers a "Good" laser - self-leveling, mounts on standard camcorder tripod, available for ~$100 at a big-box hardware store - and - likely can be borrowed from a friend or neighbor who is a painter, carpenter, or handyman.
Picture 1 shows the laser used in this test - a Bosch GPL 3 that retails for $119 at Lowes.
Picture 2 shows the laser mounted on a camera/camcorder tripod.
Picture 3 shows a target for the laser placed on the carriage - I used a label maker but a post-it note with a small circle would work as well.
Picture 4 shows the laser pointed to the target on the carriage - when you set this up it will take some adjustment to get the laser line up both vertically and horizontally so the target remains centered from left-to-right as the carriage moves down the track. If your Frame is both level and flat the laser point will remain centered in the target.
Picture 5 shows the laser point exactly centered on the target.
Picture 6 shows the laser slightly higher than the target (about 2mm) indicating the Frame is slightly lower than precisely level at this point - could be due to assembly problems, manufacturing irregularities, or damage (for example is your Frame was used as a platform for someone to stand on to change a light bulb).
Picture 7 shows the laser slightly lower than the target (again about 2mm) indicating the Frame is slightly higher than precisely level at this point.
Picture 8 shows a cross-point (room lighting was dimmed for this picture) of the laser showing the horizontal bars on the target is precisely parallel indicating the laser and the target are properly aligned.
Future posts will cover "Better" lasers (self-leveling solid line) and "Best" lasers (rotating with small-aperture receiver) and techniques to resolve Frame issues discovered by your sensitive quilting hands or a laser - a couple of tips are available on the Longarm-Tech YouTube channel - please feel to check out.
In the meantime - "Quilt On"!
Do you have questions on this topic or a suggestion for another one you are interested in?