i " DIAL INDICATORS " ?

[COP RUNNER]

i I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A GOOD " DIAL INDICATOR " SET-UP , I MAY OF ONLY NEEDED ONE ONCE IN A WHILE SO I WOULD JUST BORROW ONE , BUT " A " I HATE BORROWING THINGS , " B " AT MY NEW JOB I WILL BE SETTING UP RING & PINIONS AND DEGREEING CAMS AND DOING ENGINES , SO I NO THERE ARE SOME MACHINISTS ON THIS FORUM , SO MY QUESTION IS ; WHAT ARE THE MOST ACCURATE " DIAL INDICATORS " AND ARE ANALOG PREFERABLE OR DIGITAL ? ... AND DOES SOMEONE SELL A COMPLETE SET OR DO YOU HAVE TO BUY ALL OF THE ADAPTERS AND ACCESSORIES SEPARATE ? . WHICH ONES ARE THE BEST ? .:confused2:

 

[dannymax]

You can't go wrong with Starrett....analog or digital is a personal choice but it's called a DIAL indicator, so in my opinion it should have a dial....in other words, analog!! unk:

 

[texmax]

x2 what Danny said. I use a Starrett dial caliper almost daily at work. Great tools. I prefer the dial type.

 

[bazwell]

Can't comment on brand, but +1 on the dial, not digital.
Makes it easy to accurately put a piston on TDC for dialing in cams.

 

[wildweasel_pt]

Its easier for your eyes to notice the needle moving rather than checking the digits changing....

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

As noted, Starrett makes great precision tools. Interapid indicators are excellent as well.

 

[The Beekeeper]

I'd go with Starett too along with the analog dial for your indicator setup, the only thing I have that are digital are my 6" calipers.......................Tom.

 

[davidon]

Harbor Freight all the way :eusa_dance:

 

[Lew L]

+1 on the Starrett indicator. I teach welding and machining at the high school and the Starrett tools are the only ones I WON'T let the kids ( monkeys ) use.

Lew

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

Tim, are you looking for a certain depth of travel, like 1"?

 

[Rusty McNeil]

+1 on Starrett, it's all I own, analog much preferred by me at least

 

[MR_NST]

Starrett is the most common but at the engine shop i worked at we also used sunnen bore guages and dial indicators.

http://www.sunnen.com/details.aspx?NavID=666

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ but worth it.

peace,
evan...

 

[COP RUNNER]

Tim, are you looking for a certain depth of travel, like 1"?

i I'M SURE I WILL BUY A COUPLE OF THEM WITH DIFFERENT RANGES , ARE THE MAGNETIC HOLD-DOWNS BETTER OR THE CLAMPS , AND ARE THERE BETTER TYPES OF HOLDERS THEN OTHERS ? . :confused2:

 

[dannymax]

Usually you just change the pointers Timmy cause normally you're just checking run-out which is usually only a few mills. One gauge should handle what you will be needing it for.
Unless you're going into tenths, I would guess .001" is about as tight as you will need.

 

[06VMAXIMUS]

Like Danny stated, the range of travel needed will depend on what you are checking. I would get both the magnetic base and clamps. Sometimes you will need one or the other, and its nice to have both available. I have all of my indicators and mounts from my toolmaker days, and they come in handy when working on bikes and cars....that's why I never sold them when I changed professions. Ebay can be a good source for used indicators and mounts, and I know our local flea market has a good selection for cheap!

 

[gamorg02]

Harbor Freight all the way :eusa_dance:

+1. work great for checking rotors. i think timmy needs something better than that tho! heh.

 

[dannymax]

+1. work great for checking rotors. i think timmy needs something better than that tho! heh.

Yeah, I'd be a little nervous if the guy checking the crankshaft in my 650 hp Camaro was using a H/F indicator!

Might wanna say......"Dude....you do realize that's a $26,000 motor....right?" :rofl_200: