Cheap but decent Flexible Arm Magnetic Base (for dial indicator)?
- Thread starter 1982fxr
- Start date
aptdweller
Well-known member
You can get the standard Chinese ones for $20, which are quite serviceable. For about $100-140, you can get a Noga, which are really awesome. Instead of using several friction locks, the whole base has one, plus a fine adjustment. Mitutoyo and Starrett are more expense and a complete waste of money for the home shop (imo).
Check out enco for the Noga, where I think they are cheapest in the US.
Check out enco for the Noga, where I think they are cheapest in the US.
aptdweller
Well-known member
Also, you can check out this video for a better explanation than mine:
rcjoy
Well-known member
I agree that the Noga holders are quite good, and Enco has the best price on them anywhere, especially during their 15% and 20% off sales.
There are several Noga models, but a good one to start with is the MG10533.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=326-1364
Medium sized, with 3/8" clamp and dovetail, and fine adjustment on the base.
I really like the fine adjustment on the base, as I think it is much more precise and easier to use than their other models that have it at the top.
The Noga holder will normally attach to your dial indicator by clamping on its 3/8" stem, or to a test indicator via the dovetail.
If you want to connect to the lug at the back of your dial indicator, you will need an adaptor. I used the combination of the Starrett PT00764 (1/4" to 3/8" split bushing) and Starrett 657Y (1/4" indicator attachment). You can get those at Amazon.
There are several Noga models, but a good one to start with is the MG10533.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=326-1364
Medium sized, with 3/8" clamp and dovetail, and fine adjustment on the base.
I really like the fine adjustment on the base, as I think it is much more precise and easier to use than their other models that have it at the top.
The Noga holder will normally attach to your dial indicator by clamping on its 3/8" stem, or to a test indicator via the dovetail.
If you want to connect to the lug at the back of your dial indicator, you will need an adaptor. I used the combination of the Starrett PT00764 (1/4" to 3/8" split bushing) and Starrett 657Y (1/4" indicator attachment). You can get those at Amazon.
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Ign
Well-known member
I think he's asking about the single "snake" arm like they sell for automotive use? Like checking runout on rotors? I've never seen them in machinist supply catalogs, only auto tech stuff. Never laid hands on one either, or seen one used in a machine shop. As others have stated, my Nogas do everything I need with aplomb.
When I was in school a fellow student bought a Noga copy from Grizzly, it worked but no idea for how long.
When I was in school a fellow student bought a Noga copy from Grizzly, it worked but no idea for how long.
bisley45
Well-known member
I am with the Noga club it is the most user friendly and easy to setup that I have ever used. Just got my first one this year off of ebay for 50.00 bucks. watch ebay deals are there if your patient.
Brian Milner
Brian Milner
I recentrly picked up the HF version that looks similar to the Noga.
Its OK, but for my use (aligning my table saw) I think the cube base is too large or the shaft the indicator clamps to is too short...it was hard to get it all setup to point low down on the blade because the base was in the way.
Its OK, but for my use (aligning my table saw) I think the cube base is too large or the shaft the indicator clamps to is too short...it was hard to get it all setup to point low down on the blade because the base was in the way.
I looked at some chi coo ones on sale locally at princess auto. Price was right and although they bragged about the holding strength of the magnet on the packaging I found you had to turn your head when you set the magnet because if you breathed on it too hard you'd knock it off the shelf.
Matt Irvine
Well-known member
I have a mitutoyo one and I'm not a big fan.. It's too long for most things..
jar944
Well-known member
Shars noga clone, $25 with the indicator. I liked the first one enough I bought two more.
cptn_zippy
Well-known member
Shars noga clone, $25 with the indicator. I liked the first one enough I bought two more.
I can't find those for close to that price...I found them for $60ish...am I missing them?
jar944
Well-known member
Looks like they quit offering that set, the $65 one has two indicators.
The stand is $25 now
http://www.shars.com/products/view/1407/135_Lbs_Holder_Power_Magnetic_Base
Indicator $12
http://www.shars.com/products/view/1933/1quot_Dial_Indicator_001quot