Scanning systems and methods for measuring shafts are described. The scanning systems include a support structure and a scanner mounted to the support structure, at least one fixed guide arranged such that the support structure is configured to move along the at least one fixed guide, at least one positional guide arranged such that at least one positional guide is connected to the support structure to guide movement of the scanner along the at least one fixed guide, and an encoder operably coupled to the at least one positional guide and configured to measure, at least, a distance from the encoder to the support structure.