Dial Test Indicator

[rbattelle]

I need one of these so I can locate the center of existing holes when boring them out. I used to work with a machinist who used this model, so it's all I know. I was wondering if anyone can say anything good/bad about this particular unit, or offer one that's of comparable quality but lower price.



-Ryan

 

[jkeyes]

try www.use-enco.com look for Starrett Brown and sharp or Interapid. Those are the only ones I will use and you should be able to find them a little cheaper than that in Enco.



-J-

 

[rbattelle]

Wow, that site's nice. Thanks!



-Ryan

 

[rhino_50]

I am a machinist I would recommend Brown and Sharp that is what is my tool box. Just my opinion. Starrett you are pay for the name. Rhino50

 

[jkeyes]

While I would agree with Rhino50's statement for the most part I do believe that the Starrett tools seem to last a little bit longer.

 

[DManey]

Interapid or brown and sharp... Can't go wrong with either of them. .

 

[WDixon27]

expensive little mother, i found mine in a wrecked car

 

[BHanna]

Has anyone tried one of these enco brand indicators http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=605-4070&PMPXNO=949084&PARTPG=INLMK32 ? I'd imagine you get what you pay for but for my very occasional use, how well would this work?



$8 is pretty tempting.

 

[WDixon27]

i got one that looks just like that from the sidewalk sale at harbor freight for $6 and a magnetic base for another $6, i think regular price is around twice that, they seem plenty decent for anything i could dream up to use it for

 

[WCPoe]

Hole center indicator

Harbor freight has this one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=1717

Get the . 0005 graduation unit. You may not need the 1/2 thou, but the price is right. If I was buying a dial bore indicator I would go with one of the brand names, but just to center your spindle this one is fine.

 

[rbattelle]

I have a silly question. What I need is a dial test indicator that I can mount in my drill press chuck to locate the center of existing holes. So I need one whose face doesn't turn with the drill chuck... know what I mean? So I can keep the face toward me while rotating the drill to observe the deflection in the dial test needle.



Do all dial test indicators have this feature, or will I need a "centering indicator" like this?



-Ryan

 

[Ggg]

Not to flame anybody who responded, For all practical purposes that Starrett "Last Word" indicator is real good rugged indicator for general use. I would not consider any $8, or $20 indicator, period. Especially since it was brought up using one that cheap with . 0005 graduations, let alone on a mill or even a drill press. Because the average mill in the average shop can't hold that tolerance anyway, and a drill press never will. The big difference in the cost of the indicators is repeatability, the cheap ones will not repeat reliably. While I brought up repeatability, when was the last time your indicator was calibrated?

As far as viewing a dial face while rotating the quill. They do make indicators with the face facing up toward the headstock, but you still have to watch it upside down as you turn the indicator to the back side. I do not know of any attachment that allows the face to remain stationary facing the operator while rotating the quill.

 

[RonA]

I think I have a Starrett down at the shop. I use a different type. If I can find the Starrett you can have it for 1/3 of that advertised price.



Ron

 

[Hohn]

I need one of these so I can locate the center of existing holes when boring them out. I used to work with a machinist who used this model, so it's all I know. I was wondering if anyone can say anything good/bad about this particular unit, or offer one that's of comparable quality but lower price.

-Ryan

Don't they use a "dial bore guage" for that?

 

[rbattelle]

Don't they use a "dial bore guage" for that?

Like this?



Never seen one of those before. As I said earlier, I only know dial test indicators because that's what a machinist friend used and taught me to use. I just can't quite remember whether the dial face could be held stationary while the quill rotated (it must have... ).



-Ryan

 

[RonA]

Just get a small mirror so you can see it on the back side. When you indicate a hole, drop down inside and work on left, right, and near edges. If all 3 zero, then you will be centered unless your hole isn't round. Dial bore gauge is for checking hole sizes. You set it to a ring gauge or micrometer and then compare to your hole.