Dial indicator stand recommendations

[b7labelle]

Through a mixture of alcohol and eBay, I have acquired, among other things, 2 dial indicators:

https://imgur.com/a/XW6MmwZ

Looking for recommendations for a magnetic dial indicator stand that fits my older dials. I’m a home gamer, so I’m not looking to pick up a industry grade mount, but at the same time I’ve looked at some of the junk China is shipping and I don’t want that either haha.

My goal is to measure the runout in my drill press.

The larger indicator has a .247” diameter mount, and the smaller one has a .185” mount. The smaller one also looks like a 1/4” rod could slide through the knurled but and held with a set screw.

A lot of indicator stands I’ve looked at seem to be made for 8mm mounts, which I’m concerned wouldn’t work with these two older indicators.



Is there a mount someone could recommend, or would I be better off just picking up a newer dial/stand set?

 

[Chevy-SS]

Here's the two (pic below) I use most often. Mostly I use them for measuring rotor runout on brake jobs. They are Chinese but they work GREAT! The magnetic mounts are incredibly powerful. I've been using these for years with zero complaints.

Starrett is a terrific brand, no doubt, so I might try to save those old ones. But if it was me, I'd just pick up a whole new kit.

 

[dr_clyde]

All my indicator mounts are Noga, I can’t stand the traditional twin beam style. They’re probably more than you want to spend for occasional use though.

 

[txvwnut]

Noga. I used the twin beams for years as that’s all there was then the Noga came along. You won’t find a better mag mount for a dial indicator.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Even the Noga clones are costly, but well recommended. I've used Mititoyo(sp), Tedclock, Starrett,General, and Chinese ones. Get a Noga and be done with it.

 

[b7labelle]

I’ve looked at the Nogas, but I’m not sure they’d fit these indicators.

 

[dr_clyde]

I’ve looked at the Nogas, but I’m not sure they’d fit these indicators.

I have both of those indicators, and there are ways to hold them on a Noga. I’ve made adapters for mine, but I’m pretty sure Noga makes factory ones.

Those are really common indicators, so I would think Noga makes a part for them.

I’ll have to look in my book.

 

[b7labelle]

I have both of those indicators, and there are ways to hold them on a Noga. I’ve made adapters for mine, but I’m pretty sure Noga makes factory ones.

Those are really common indicators, so I would think Noga makes a part for them.

I’ll have to look in my book.

Thanks, I’d appreciate that!

 

[bob15]

Have you looked on ebay for used Starrett's? I would start there.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I purchased a Noga, based on reviews here. I use it primarily for rotor/hub runout measurements. I "magnet" it to calipers, struts, rack arms, whatever. I'm pretty happy with it, I wish they made a vice grip mount for their mechanism. Sometimes there isn't enough solid ferrous metal around for the magnet to grab well.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I've used Starretts, get a Noga.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I purchased a Noga, based on reviews here. I use it primarily for rotor/hub runout measurements. I "magnet" it to calipers, struts, rack arms, whatever. I'm pretty happy with it, I wish they made a vice grip mount for their mechanism. Sometimes there isn't enough solid ferrous metal around for the magnet to grab well.

Noga makes Kant-Twist style clamp bases. I'd imagine with a welder and a cheap pair of vise grips one could make their own. I believe some of the Noga arms are threaded into their bases.

I'm a Noga fan too. I don't use it often, but when I do I'm glad I went with Noga.

 

[matt_i]

My opinion is you don't need an exotic clamping mechanism. Just a drilled hole, drill and tap into that hole at a 90 degree angle and use some pressure screw to bear on the OD of the rod that slides thru. Can go exotic and make a "wing bolt" by welding or brazing to a hex head or socket head cap screw or just tighten with screwdriver, allen wrench, or open-end wrench. If you are super concerned about scarring the OD of the shaft then use a brass screw. The existing shaft sizes are already perfectly setup for standard sized bores, drill a .250" hole for the .247" shaft and a .187" hole for the .185" shaft.

When measuring runout in the spindle don't just turn the spindle by hand. Lock the quill and side-load the chuck or spindle and see how much you can deflect the indicator in various directions, no rotation needed. The true amount of clearance in the bearings isn't seen by just rotating the shaft and allowing it to self-center.

 

[2oolhound]

Just a word of caution, I've looked at the chinese ones we have at the Canadian version of HF which is Princess Auto. If you sneeze you'll knock the magnetic base off it's position. I have old old used ones that have way stronger magnets. Check before you buy.

 

[b7labelle]

When measuring runout in the spindle don't just turn the spindle by hand. Lock the quill and side-load the chuck or spindle and see how much you can deflect the indicator in various directions, no rotation needed. The true amount of clearance in the bearings isn't seen by just rotating the shaft and allowing it to self-center.

Good tip, thanks!

 

[Shadowdog500]

+1 on NOGA. I’ve tried several and NOGA is the best.

I have this one and love it. NOGA DG10533 Standard Holder with Mag Base-176 Ibs-Hold Power https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY07VQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[b7labelle]

I guess I’m not so worried about picking up a decent brand, but rather if the newer stands would hold my older indicators.

 

[Steve_P]

I have two 20 yr old Mitutoyo stands and like them a lot. Before that I had a generic Chinese one and there's no comparison.