A laser marking tool for use with a CNC machine is disclosed. The laser marking tool includes a housing; a laser disposed within the housing; at least one sensor disposed within the housing and adapted to interpret a predetermined motion of the CNC machine as a command for the tool to perform a respective predetermined function; and a power source coupled to the laser. The at least one senor is an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. The respective predetermined function comprises one or more of: powering the laser off/on, synchronizing the laser marking tool, and loading one of the patterns stored in a local memory.

A laser marking tool for use with a CNC machine is disclosed. The laser marking tool includes a housing; a laser disposed within the housing; at least one sensor disposed within the housing and adapted to interpret a predetermined motion of the CNC machine as a command for the tool to perform a respective predetermined function; and a power source coupled to the laser. The at least one senor is an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. The respective predetermined function comprises one or more of: powering the laser off/on, synchronizing the laser marking tool, and loading one of the patterns stored in a local memory.

A device for striking a tool shank with a controlled force includes a tip configured to contact the shank, a plunger configured to be retracted a pullback distance from the tip and to exert a force on the tip proportional to the pullback distance when released, and a control mechanism configured to control the pullback distance. A method of reducing run-out in a machine tool comprises placing the tool in a tool holder, measuring the run-out using an indicator, identifying a high spot, manipulating the control mechanism of the striking device to select the force based on the shank diameter, and striking the shank on the high spot using the striking device.