Indicator stems and bases

[Rebar]

Carbide Probes Inc has a good selection of long contact points if you need one with a M1.7x0.35 male threads

Stylus & Gauge Tips - Carbide Probes

Large range of options in replacement contact points and styli to meet your specific metrology needs.

www.carbideprobes.com

 

[DaveTooley]

Just something to ponder. Because of side play in the indicator, you can get variations in the readings as you rotate the ball over a curved surface.

 

[tobnpr]

A little OT, but WTF...
Whenever I see pics posted of a long-stem inserted into the bore, it's always aligned with the tip at the bottom of the bore. Am I the only one that sets it at the 3:00 position?

 

[Judd]

A little OT, but WTF...
Whenever I see pics posted of a long-stem inserted into the bore, it's always aligned with the tip at the bottom of the bore. Am I the only one that sets it at the 3:00 position?

So you adjust the jaw facing you rather than the one on top? I put mine in the bottom because I’m adjusting the jaw on top.

 

[X Count]

So you adjust the jaw facing you rather than the one on top? I put mine in the bottom because I’m adjusting the jaw on top.

Yeah easier to keep the chuck key away from the head stock and tool post when adjusting at the top. Those horizontal tool post indicator mounts would be nice but adjusting at 9? O'clock would do my head in

 

[DaveTooley]

A little OT, but WTF...
Whenever I see pics posted of a long-stem inserted into the bore, it's always aligned with the tip at the bottom of the bore. Am I the only one that sets it at the 3:00 position?

Nope
2:45 for me

 

[X Count]

Nope
2:45 for me

Is that on your Haas? Didn't the enclose on the early ones prevent access to 12 or is there some other reason?

If I could have anything at the moment it would be a Haas TL 1 or 2 . The possibilities

 

[DaveTooley]

Is that on your Haas? Didn't the enclose on the early ones prevent access to 12 or is there some other reason?

If I could have anything at the moment it would be a Haas TL 1 or 2 . The possibilities

I have always used the 3:00 position. Manual or on the Haas. I say 2:45 because I locate the ball just slightly above center. It puts a slight side load on the ball and takes any side play out. Much more consistent readings with a load in both axis.

 

[TylerFromMS]

How does the indicator length change the resolution- falsely make it indicate to a larger number than what’s on the dial?

And does that really matter if you’re just using it to dial in a barrel?

 

[DaveTooley]

Not only does it change the readout it also changes the resolution. If the resolution/accuracy is +/-.0001" and you triple the stem length then the resolution just tripled also. A Mitutoyo .0001" dial test indicator has .0002" accuracy. Nothing is free and there are no short cuts.

 

[TylerFromMS]

Not only does it change the readout it also changes the resolution. If the resolution/accuracy is +/-.0001" and you triple the stem length then the resolution just tripled also. A Mitutoyo .0001" dial test indicator has .0002" accuracy. Nothing is free and there are no short cuts.

So instead of being 0.0001, it would be 0.0003 in that scenario?

 

[DaveTooley]

So instead of being 0.0001, it would be 0.0003 in that scenario?

That's correct. Everything gets coarser.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

So instead of being 0.0001, it would be 0.0003 in that scenario?

Draw out 2 levers on a piece of paper, one end fixed and think about the other end moving a certain amount, same on both, and youll see the fixed end would rotate way more on the short lever. Its just a quick way to see how its affected on the other end

 

[TylerFromMS]

Draw out 2 levers on a piece of paper, one end fixed and think about the other end moving a certain amount, same on both, and youll see the fixed end would rotate way more on the short lever. Its just a quick way to see how its affected on the other end

It should increase the resolution, though, right? Longer lever moves further on a fulcrum for shorter movement on other side?

Am I just being dense or thinking about it the wrong way?

 

[GenePoole]

 

[TylerFromMS]

THANK YOU!

 

[tobnpr]

I say 2:45 because I locate the ball just slightly above center. It puts a slight side load on the ball and takes any side play out.

Thanks, Dave. Makes sense.

So you adjust the jaw facing you rather than the one on top? I put mine in the bottom because I’m adjusting the jaw on top.

Whether 4 jaw, adjust-tru or spider, I work both opposing jaws/screws simultaneously- always have from my first hour on a lathe. I know many work just one, spinning to the opposing jaw to tighten/loosen- I've just found working both is faster for me. Given that, getting to the bottom one would be blind (and I'd need a right-angle chuck key) if I tried to to do 6/12.

I set the indicator at 3:00 (now 2:45 ), then work both front/back together. Like many other operations, diff'rent strokes...

 

[jackieschmidt]

Because they'll work loose. When they do, you'll pull your hair out trying to figure out what the hell is going on with your setup

Been there, done that.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I use these little 513-504 Mititoyo’s. After predrilling, I can reach all the way in to where the throat will be established, then single point bore.

Since I own a Machine Shop, I have access to any type of indicator. I have found these to be the handiest.

 

[LVLAaron]

I set the indicator at 3:00 (now 2:45 ), then work both front/back together. Like many other operations, diff'rent strokes...

I accidentally figured this out recently. I indicate the bottom and finding the true low spot can be a bit fiddly. If I move the indicator a little bit towards me it stabilizes quite a bit. Great tip!