Shop Talk with Adam: Indicators and other Favorite Tools

[@StefanGotteswinter]

I am always interested in the tools other machinists use, there is a lot to learn. Thank you for that video!

[@hydroy1]

Talking about mics, I trained in and got very use to the " feel" of Lufkin mics that I perfur over anything else as that is what I started off in the trade with in the 70s. All of my Lifkins were stolen as 4 big tool boxes out of the company were taken from 4 different machinist one night, most likely sold for drugs . But what the problem is for me now is to FIND a replacement set of Lufkins for the ones stolen. Yes I know I can just buy another brand, ( and I was forced to do just that ) but the feel, it's just not the same as with my old nasty looking but dead nuts on Lufkins . I do alot of custom fit repair work, and I miss the hell out of my old ugly Lufkins over any other brand. Sometimes thieves can't understand what there really doing to machinists by robbing us as these tools are our lively hood, however many can't seem to understand our tools are a part of who we are .

[@Abom79]

Ive always had it Tom! It started as a young teenager when I bought my first automotive tools, and Craftsman tool box, air compressor, and shop vac. Then once I started working full time in our shop I fell in love with machinist tools and the like. Its been like that ever since. When I was at the Moultrie GA swap meet, I was probably the only guy there going nuts over the machine shop tools! Everyone else was there for the cars!

[@claytonmusgrove8438]

I love watching you work. My Grampa was a machinist and it reminds me of him.

[@ae6850]

Hi Adam & everyone here, I'm a complete milling machine beginner who stumbled into this informative vid of yours. Pls pass my regards to your dad, granddad and of course your audience.

[@Abom79]

Thanks Bill, Ive only shown a few of what I have, maybe more later on. Very cool you have the Starrett mic from your grandad! I love how mine have his initials scribed into them. I wish I could see all the work its touched!

[@RickRose]

Catching up on some of your vintage videos, and the first thing I noticed on this one was that it was from the pre-air conditioner era. What a difference that has made in your shop! Thanks for the tips on the indicators. Also, it's awesome that you still use some of the tools from your grandfather and father. I own a few of my father's tools, and I feel a definite connection whenever I pick any of them up for use.

[@billdlv]

Adam that was really good. You have got quite a collection of measuring tools, knowing your go to tools is really helpful for those of us who don't have such a selection. I have a 0-1" Starrett mic from my grandfather, it is a great tool to have knowing who used it before I did.

[@johns9926]

Adam: I was the one who asked about your scale, which you replied. Wanted to point out the Starrett hook scales have an "adjustable hook" which is quite useful sometimes. Great video. John

[@Abom79]

Ive had the large Noga for about 5 years now and been using them at both jobs ever since. They are very nicely built and of good quality, also something I would recommend to anyone no matter if a hobbiest or full blown machinist. The universal mounts work fine, but are slower to adjust and a little more cumbersome IMO. I have a few of them but never use em. Thanks Riflesmith!

[@Dsp.Studios]

Thanks for the video Adam. It really shows that you put a lot of effort and heart into everything you do... That is why it's all good.

[@Abom79]

Dan, that can get a little involved trying to explain basic maintenance on all of the precision tools. Sorry for the late reply BTW, I'm trying to go through my long list of replys now. The indicators you simply need to keep wiped off, and I have always been told using something like alcohol on the indicator stem is the best way, It should be dry and oil and chip free. I might make another video showing how I clean up some of my other tools.

[@Liwayputi]

Hi Adam! My husband and I just started watching your vids. We love your work! We are both calibration technicians over here on the Space Coast. I'm admiring your collection of dimensional tools. Do you ever get them calibrated? Do you have any gage blocks to check them against? Just curious... I love the Mitutoyo calipers. They are very repeatable unlike the dial calipers. You have the top three names in dimensional measurement tools. I know you can't help it, but I cringe knowing they are stored in a humid Florida garage. At least they are well built enough to take it. Starett and Mitutoyo are the best. Keep up the excellent work, and thank you for sharing!

[@not2fast4u2c]

Thanks for showing all the tools That is a nice big Indicator Base I enjoyed seeing all the tools

[@tommie293]

Adam, I'd like to see you actually using those mics and such especially in the not so typical application so as to demonstrate some of the "tricks" you've learned over the years. Thanks for taking the time to create these most interesting videos. Best regards

[@Abom79]

Hey Gill, I can tell you love peaking through them all! You kept going from drawer to drawer last time you were here. Its always fun to go though them after some time has passed, hell you find things you forgot was in there!!

[@Abom79]

Yea for a guy like me who loves machine shop tools, I was a sucker for the sale. I expected him to ask much more for it, so when he said $50 i didnt argue. I just had to have it! Thanks Richard!

[@susanbarbier5053]

Regarding the mag back indicators, when I'm going to be making a lot of steel chips I just take some blue painters tape and cover the back of the indicator. When I'm finished I pull it off and it's good as new.

[@ivanrozman3916]

Susan Barbie

[@Abom79]

I will add that request to the list Tommie. I actually wanted to show an indicating demonstration, but to try and keep the video on topic and shorter I decided not to show that in this one. That will make another good video though. Thanks for the comment!

[@1954BJohn]

Moore & Wright was the make I used as a 1960's apprentice, good quality and more affordable than Starratt,which were very good, but expensive.

[@raymuttart5484]

Great video Adam, very cool.

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Adam, I can see you have the tool disease real bad. Ain't it great! I'm going to have to try that indicator attachment for four jaw work. The indicator is face up all the time so you can see it well. Never thought about it until you showed it. Thanks bud. Best, Tom

[@riflesmith1]

Adam....I agree with you on the Noga brand Mag holders. Ive been using them for about 10 yrs now, maybe longer. Very nice and well worth the money. Thanks for the info on some of your fav tools in your shop. As always another great vid.........SKI

[@Abom79]

Get one of those indicator attachments! I'm sure you'll love it. It makes it soo quick and handy to indicate an ID. I've have an older one made by Brown&Sharp for a long time that I've used, but I like the Starrett one better. They arent that expensive.

[@Abom79]

Another good brand of tools! I know Ive seen a couple tools in my shop that are Moore&Wright, I just dont remember which box they're stashed in.

[@SlowEarl1]

very cool . Thanks for taking the time to make great videos.

[@Abom79]

Thanks for the reply John. You are correct, and I do show a demonstration of the adjustable hook on the PEC scale in this video. Ive grown to love using the hook scale everyday and all day. They are great for quick OD measurements on solids.

[@UnorthodoxFabrication]

Very cool Adam. At 12:30 that mag design might be able to be fixed by mixing up some epoxy and filling those gaps with it. I love your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@kg2nc]

Love the video man I also inherit My fathers tools. He was a setup man a really good one. He was one of the guys that work on those car tire inflatable portable compressors.

[@w056007568]

That's really, really useful, almost a shopping list of essential equipment. One quick question though: how do you maintain this equipment? I.e. do you lubricate any of this "stuff" and,if so, with what? and linked with this, how do you prevent corrosion? and further you and others expert machinists like you talk about "cleaning stuff up" but precisely how please in simple layman's language? Many thanks.

[@floridawind1]

Good job Adam. Always enjoy looking through your tool boxes :-)

[@Abom79]

Glad you found it Reid, and hope this helped you out a little with the mag base questions.

[@reideichner8597]

Adam, you gave me the link to find this video of yours...THANKS!! It was very informative and found more info other than just the mag base indicators. I am a fairly new subscriber so I have a lot of catch up to do on your videos. I know I will be shopping for some of this stuff soon. Thanks for the videos! Reid

[@Abom79]

So you never have to get out the 12-18 set and mic those large parts, or measure an inside mic with it? I have to once in a while and hate it. That sucker is soo big and hard to hold while trying to mic an inside mic.

[@Gloveman009]

Adam, your stuff is great, please keep it up!

[@Abom79]

I use both, and like both. But when I can I prefer to use my Brown&Sharp with the friction thimble.

[@garywheeler1812]

Use clear tape or cleen clear wrap on top and bottom of gages that will help keep the face / bottom from dirt/ grease sticking on gages

[@Abom79]

The humidity and rust is a big problem. The best thing to use is having a climate controlled shop! I had an ac hooked up in my old shop, and I was only able to use it for one year before I moved. I actually have plans to move it to this shop and use it here, hopefully a winter project. This summer was brutal!! Otherwise I have to make sure everything is well lubed with oil to keep it from rusting. If I dont, Ill come in the shop and find flash rusting! I hate that!

[@Abom79]

Thanks a bunch Paul!

[@anonymousmie2829]

Hey Adam, Been watching your videos for a few days now... I like what you do and your presentation style. I have a thought for you... You use two "not quite junk" indicators rather than one that is much more expensive and presumably "far from junk"/"top quality" from Starrett. All to save the Starrett from wear/damage. This makes no sense. Why own a good quality tool if you are not going to use it. It makes more sense to use the better tool and have the lesser quality ones as spares. It is like owning a nice car and keeping it in the garage. Cars can only be fully enjoyed if you drive them. If you only like to look at them , save money and buy a photo. Yes, I drive my classic car(s) daily or regularly. People do this type of thing all the time but think about it... Who are you preserving the item for? You purchased it because you like it, USE IT. At least when it is worn out, you have extracted the pleasure and utility that it possessed and not saved it for some stranger to purchase at a flea market when you are no longer around. Why not purchase another batch of machinery and preserve the good quality ones that you have... Buy an Asian POS lathe and wear that out instead of the one you use now. See... It makes no sense... Use your top quality stuff and save the inexpensive crap as a spare. I make a point to purchase the best items i can afford and the hell with the crappy stuff! When I work, I want my tools to feel, work and last so I buy and use the best. This does not mean highest price but overall best based on my opinions. No I do not own Snap On exclusively but I do own some Snap On items that I think are better than my other tools. Lastly... if the crappy one is good enough to do the job on a daily basis... why even buy the expensive one? It is basically just a trophy and should be displayed on a shelf, not kept in the box that it came in. Is it a status thing? Ego? ??? Anyway, Like I said, I have been enjoying your videos for a few days now and I am not done viewing yet. I am learning some things and for that, Thank You Be well and prosper... PS... I saw the video about the Thorsen wrenches... sorry to tell you this but Thorsen has not manufactured their own tools in years and have been sourcing from asia for probably 30+ years...

[@aryesegal1988]

Another great one, Thank you very much for posting all these, Adam. I learn so much from you, wish I could be your apprentice -- I'd do everything for free! :)

[@phillipspain5650]

Wow your shop floor sure is clean

[@outsidescrewball]

Adam...damn, my shopping list just got longer! Lol, going to start my list for Santa!...... I like this Shop Talk series...Chuck

[@Brad1962Fisher]

on that magnet base with groves in it - you could put some epoxy on it and and fill those groves. you could lightly sand it smooth!

[@Abom79]

You are right, and its something my dad told me to do with it years ago, I just never got around to it...LOL!

[@Brad1962Fisher]

Sounds like a smart Dad! :-)

[@ShuffleSk8Ter]

Another Great video My Friend!..I alway love to learn :) I'm gonna get me me a few of those round mag bases

[@HighTechCountryBoy]

Thanks for the video. What is that big gray machine in the very back of your shop behind the milling machine?

[@Abom79]

Glad your enjoying them chuck. You better be careful with that santa list, it will get pretty long when you start looking through the wish books!

[@johns9926]

Adam: So it's not just me with duplicate and triplicates of the same mic's etc: HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE HUMIDITY/RUST IN YOUR SHOP? Before I was in Phoenix (no rust/humidity) now in Louisiana and go ballistic if the shop reaches the "dew point", plan to central a/c. God Bless John

[@robertkutz]

Adam very informative video.

[@Abom79]

Thanks Toly!!!

[@Abom79]

Those cheap "pancake" mag bases our awesome! I would reccommend them to anyone running machines.

[@rockityrock]

I just purchased a Noga stand for my mini lathe, but it's not threaded for the base. Is there some kind of protective sleeve on the threads?

[@scrapperstacker8629]

Great video

[@Abom79]

That would be my Trinco blast cabinet.

[@StraightThread]

What a great find in that B & S indicator holder, and only $50!!! Another interesting video, too. Thanks, Adam. Richard

[@rogerandlyndabeall3840]

How do you clean your lathes etc they are always so clean.

[@rlevitta]

Hey Adam - could you explain when/why you would use a micrometer vs using a caliper? They sort of do the same thing, but there must be a reason for choosing one over the other.

[@lenniesmall2636]

Bob Levittan It's about degree of accuracy. Calipers are good to measure to within .001" or so. Micrometers have a vernier scale that allow you to accurately measure to .0001"

[@das250250]

Love that unit at 33 measuring inner diameter

[@das250250]

I mean at 20 min

[@tonche012]

very cool love your videos

[@JohnBare747]

Thanks for the video.

[@mikefurman6292]

Adam were you get holder that set on the v of the way

[@CarbonGlassMan]

18:05 What is that indicator attachment called? For turning a dial indicator into a test indicator?

[@tedmattingly7564]

Starrett 670B

[@stanleyg64]

where was your inside mic.Thats one of the reasons I watched u when i seen u using one of them I personally find them great as no mistakes like watching turns of the clock on comparitor.

[@Abom79]

I have plenty of inside mics but only use them when having to measure bores over 6". This video was mainly about my favorite measuring tools and things people asked me to talk about.

[@1693caterpillar]

I've had problems with the same Starrett dial indicator that you have sticking and just being a problem.

[@Abom79]

Most of the time they work good but if you get a tiniest spec of trash on the rod it will hang up. They just need cleaning once in a while.

[@codysciarra5458]

What do u use to lube and clean them

[@geckoproductions4128]

What was the guys name that repairs indicators?

[@ShuffleSk8Ter]

I figured maybe your watchers would like that :) keep up the good vids!

[@claudemorehead4529]

Get some fiberglass resin w/hardener and fill in the voids.

[@akilrl85]

Do you never get to situation where you have to use metric indicators etc. I heard you guys there moved to metric in some industries.

[@Opinionator52]

Thanks for the video, and isn't KZbin a grand way to share the tricks and tools of this age old trade, that the old school part is dwindling away to automatics... They are cool to in there own way but there's something about manual machinery,,, :o] O,,,

[@Dsp.Studios]

It's a sand blaster... :)

[@donpollard9460]

4:40 - Abom size!

[@gordondurr1226]

Do you do any work In the shop or like to show off on what you got the shop is not a working shop

[@dkoshman5765]

chips on mag bases! use a piece of durable plastic/rubber band or a condom.......remove to clean chips

[@me3333]

The mag base with the grooves, you can put a piece of packing tape on it to stop that.