Different Types of Dial Indicator Bases - Quick Machining Tips #25

Let's talk about the different ways to mount dial indicators. I'll discuss mag bases, the Indicol, surface gages, and height gages.
Tools shown in this video:
Magnetic indicator back: amzn.to/3vdnfwx
Import magnetic base: amzn.to/3Kb9IKa
Noga magnetic base: amzn.to/3vbFlii
Mighty Mag base: amzn.to/3vaZPYv
Indicol: amzn.to/3vJp9Us
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/ stuartdeharo
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[@N7BLW]

Thanks, Stuart.

[@StuartdeHaro]

Thank you for the excellent question. Hopefully I did it justice.

[@davidlawson3998]

Dude. I am a Technical Advisor (translation, "Broke down old Machinist) for a staffing company specializing in supplying journeyman level machinists and welders to worthy companies. The recruiters for these positions are not tradespeople. These videos are hugely helpful in training and helpiing them to gain a basic understanding of what we do. Thanks for the videos, and I enjoy your sense of humor!

[@LetsRogerThat]

Awesome video Stuart. Thanks. Gilles

[@Disneymkvii]

Learned something new! I'll take that as a win!

[@StuartdeHaro]

That's my goal. I'm glad you got something out of it.

[@angelramos-2005]

Very helpful information.Thank you.

[@felixf5211]

Enjoyed the video. At this very moment, I'm refurbishing a Starrett 252. The 14" version. Seems like the ultimate surface gage. Can't wait to use it.

[@StuartdeHaro]

Send me a pic when you get it finished up. I'd love to see it.

[@felixf5211]

@@StuartdeHaro I still have a little cometic work ahead, kinda enjoying taking the time with it, but I did assemble and use the gage. Couldn't help myself. Unlike what I'd thought, it's the opposite of a surface gage. The thing is meant to stay put and it doesn't like moving on the granite. It does two things: it's very rigid and its fine adjust is unlike anything I'd previously used. Tried counting the threads, but couldn't see them well. That's how fine they are. Takes forever to lower the stylus. OTOH, seemingly a few specs of dust will almost seize it. The action of the fine adjust is such that there's no perceivable backlash. Where you put it is where it stays, and it gets there in a un unusually controlled manner. Then there's the rigidity. Talk about repeatable readings. The gage is a joy to use. I'll shoot you some pics once it's done.

[@robinhoff4598]

As a rookie you are fantastic. One of three or four I try to watch whatever you post. Keep up,the good work. Any thoughts on a machinist library. Machinery Handbook certainly.

[@StuartdeHaro]

Ahh, a fellow book lover! I've been toying around with doing some book reviews. Let me see what I can do for you.

[@dannywilsher4165]

I have one of those Starrett 196 kits that went swimming for five days when my house flooded. I tried to get Starrett to warranty it and they wouldn't. Not really, I'm sure they would have laughed at me. I've cleaned it all up and everything but the dial indicator works. I need to find me another 196 Starrett dial indicator one of these days. I have a video on my channel showing how it looked after the flood.

[@StuartdeHaro]

That sucks. I'm gonna go check out your video.

[@terrycannon570]

Excellent Stuart. I am always struggling with indicator mounts on my vintage machines. I would be interested in seeing mounts for cross slide and compound use. The dials on my old lathe are so small and worn it is very difficult for my 70-year-old eyes to make accurate adjustments using the dials. The lack of good flat surfaces on the castings makes it really hard to use magnetic holders.

[@StuartdeHaro]

I could probably make a little something up. It might be a little while though. My dance card is pretty full for the next month or so.

[@terrycannon570]

@@StuartdeHaro Thanks . No hurry I am a subscriber and have the bell rung so hopefully i will get a notification when you post again. Never know if You Tube will send a notification .

[@v8Mercury]

Thank you

[@StuartdeHaro]

You're very welcome!

[@joell439]

👍😎👍

[@sto2779]

0:53 - How to mount common test indicator to it?

[@StuartdeHaro]

Your indicator should have come with a couple of stems with a dovetail fitting on the end. Slide the dovetail onto the indicator and tighten them, then hold the stem in the indicator base as shown in the video.

[@Dans-hobbies]

Have you thought about making a hardcore stand like Robin Renzetti uses?

[@StuartdeHaro]

I think I've seen that video, but I'll have to watch it again.

[@Dans-hobbies]

@@StuartdeHaro Stefan Gotteswinter did a short series on his version of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWi3fYKcaKyKra8

[@andrewsmith8388]

Ahh so that's what the nob on the holder is for - fine adjustments...

[@mclovengarcia2883]

Great video do you know a good place or website where I can buy dial indicators magnetic bases thanks brother.

[@StuartdeHaro]

You should be able to get them at any industrial supplier, like MSC, Travers, KBC Tools, McMaster-Carr, Shars, etc. These are in no particular order and I am in no way sponsored by any of these companies. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@mclovengarcia2883]

@@StuartdeHaro thanks for your time brother.

[@StuartdeHaro]

@@mclovengarcia2883 You're very welcome. Have a good one!

[@joelevi9823]

If i may ..a question about test indicator, Can the angle of the rod at the tip be adjusted?

[@StuartdeHaro]

Yes it can. Just move it to the end of its travel and keep pushing. It should slip when a bit of force is applied.

[@joelevi9823]

@@StuartdeHaro super sweet.. it worked! Thank you dude will be more convenient now

[@rickpalechuk4411]

I thought for sure the doodad was a thingamajig

[@StuartdeHaro]

Different nomenclature for the same thing. In some parts of the world they call it a whozamawhatzit.

[@FrancisoDoncona]

Carbide insert nomenclature.

[@StuartdeHaro]

That's a common request. It's definitely on my list, but it's going to take a good bit of research to make sure I cover all the most common bases.

[@terrycannon570]

@@StuartdeHaro That will surely be one I will want to watch. I have studied the written text but my brain didn't store much of what i read.

[@nyala4996]

I think that you forgot the part about, once the indicator is attached to whatever base you are using, you will never be able to actually stand erect and look at the face of the indicator. You might have to go behind the machine, or stand on your head, or bring in a table and lay on your side, but seeing the face of the indicator will be your biggest challenge. Whenever I try to use one, thoughts of a monkey and a football come to mind. I own several indicators but often wonder why. I use them only as a last resort and, as I age, last resorts are coming my way less and less often. Living with imperfect tolerances is easier than using one of these evil devices.

[@J0Gu7]

Noga mag bases suck. My imports hold way stronger than Nogas

[@XPFTP]

kind of a waste of time. not really talk about bases. o will..