Olympic Tool and Machine Company spindle/run-out gauge?

[thebigdaddyo]

I have come into possession of an Olympic Tool and Machine Company model 80 318. I would like to know just what it is. I think it may be a spindle/run-out gauge, but a definitive description would be great. Trying to decide if I should keep it or sell.

 

[2oolhound]

I'd say you nailed it, a spindle/run-out gauge. It is quite petite. Other than spindles under 18" or what ever you can get between centres you could test chainsaw cranks and other small rotating parts. Does the dial indicator base run in a T slot or is it a wedged shaped track? It would be interesting to know it's intended use though.

 

[justanengineer]

Theyre commonly called "bench centers" in the machine trades. As for keep/sell, I see the common Brown & Sharpe bench centers sell in the $100-200 range and those I believe to be a bit larger than what you have. Personally, I've got a lathe which allows me to measure runout close enough that I wouldnt really care to have bench centers cluttering up the garage.

 

[thebigdaddyo]

Yes, it is a bit short. I got it with a whole bunch of tools and had hoped it would fit a cam on it, to measure the lift, but no, too short. I wondered if it may be used in gunsmithing.