Recomend a dial indicator setup.

[2ndGearRubber]

Currently unhappy with my dial indicator setup. Arm mount is weak, and I'm having less confidence in the repeatability of the gauge.

It will mainly be used for checking rotor run out, so a sturdy mounting system that does not require a flat surface is a huge plus.



I have no issue buying a gauge and mount separately, but I like having a single case with all I need. I can make such a case if necessary. Mainly interested in value, not cost. If it costs 500 so be it, I just need a solid setup I can trust.

Thanks in advance.

 

[larry_g]

Start with showing us what you are trying to use now. What type of holder/clamp are you using now and is it the base that is failing or the arm?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Granite80]

Get a Noga. Your frustration will be over


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Zewnten]

I bought a magnet base on ebay, very good hold. The I bought two rods of the right diameter to fit my starret rod clamps. Still cost about $50 once it was done but I like it, very sturdy and smooth.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

https://m.harborfreight.com/clamping-dial-indicator-93051.html


Something like this; not a Hf unit, but mine is nearly identical. I checked the dial off a coworker's old starrett and it was accurate enought when I got it, some no name tiwanesse indicator.

The arm that hold it is mediocre, always has been. It seems to not hold the indicator securely enough, making measurements difficult sometimes. I dont like having to mess around with it to get a stable mount.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Most of the time I will be mounting via the strut, spring, tiered, etc. I really liked the vicegrip base for that.

 

[davethorik]

Most of the time I will be mounting via the strut, spring, tiered, etc. I really liked the vicegrip base for that.

Noga offers an accessory clamp base for their indicator arms that looks like a Kant-Twist clamp, says 4":
http://www.penntoolco.com/ma0322/

No experience with that particular item, but Noga mag bases are top notch. One of their fine adjust HD arms coupled with that clamp, add indicator of choice.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Another vote for Noga. They make excellent quality indicator holders. I like mine and so do many machinists. I've never used the clamp mount. As for indicators, I'm a Starrett USA kinda guy.

Tough to beat a Noga holder and a Starrett indicator, IMO.

 

[larry_g]

If you like the vise grips then I would suggest that you find a Noga arm that will screw into them, just replacing the arm. If you look here http://www.noga.com/Products/Accessories/Accessories you will find adapters to mate different threads. Here you will find arms, http://www.noga.com/Products/modu/Modular holders . Another suggestion would be to find an arm that you want that fits the vise grip you have. When you find the arm in the above link you will see what kits it comes in. You may be able to find the kit cheaper than just the arm alone. With the kit you will have a mag base and an indicator holder that will work in places that the vise grips do not.

good luck

lg
no neat sig line

 

[rmack898]

Another vote for NOGA.

 

[GrantCee]

Yet another vote for Noga. Best mounting systems made, and I've used a lot of different brands over the years.

As to the dial indicator, the best are Swiss (Compac) — but you'll pay for the privilege, in more ways than one. Their gilt-edged accuracy means they need to be handled carefully; I can't really imagine anyone subjecting them to a typical shop environment, though I'm sure someone does.

A reliable and accurate alternative that doesn't cost an arm & leg are the Kafer (Germany) dial indicators. They're available under many different labels, most notably Browne & Sharpe. I think they're the best value-versus-performance indicator and they're my "go to".

In terms of reliability and stability in auto shop conditions, I think the prize goes to Mitutoyo. They'll maintain accuracy even after rough handling, which isn't something you can always say of the higher precision options from Switzerland (or Germany.) I think they're the best choice for shop use. I use my gages in a machining environment, but if I needed precision in the auto shop I'd definitely choose Mitutoyo over my Kafers. They're at least equal in accuracy, but the Mitutoyos would be more reliable if occasionally mishandled.

(If I were re-equipping my shop today I'd probably choose Mitutoyo indicators as well.)

 

[Whitworth]

Noga

Total game-changer if what you’ve only used before is the old “rod style” indicator holders.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What's the opinion of Fowler? Dont see them mentioned much but reviews seem positive. Also, opinions on magnetic pull requirements. The low.end is rated for 80lbs of force, higher end at 175. That has to be more than plenty to mount a 2lb dial right?

 

[davethorik]

Yet another vote for Noga. Best mounting systems made, and I've used a lot of different brands over the years.

As to the dial indicator, the best are Swiss (Compac) — but you'll pay for the privilege, in more ways than one. Their gilt-edged accuracy means they need to be handled carefully; I can't really imagine anyone subjecting them to a typical shop environment, though I'm sure someone does.

A reliable and accurate alternative that doesn't cost an arm & leg are the Kafer (Germany) dial indicators. They're available under many different labels, most notably Browne & Sharpe. I think they're the best value-versus-performance indicator and they're my "go to".

In terms of reliability and stability in auto shop conditions, I think the prize goes to Mitutoyo. They'll maintain accuracy even after rough handling, which isn't something you can always say of the higher precision options from Switzerland (or Germany.) I think they're the best choice for shop use. I use my gages in a machining environment, but if I needed precision in the auto shop I'd definitely choose Mitutoyo over my Kafers. They're at least equal in accuracy, but the Mitutoyos would be more reliable if occasionally mishandled.

(If I were re-equipping my shop today I'd probably choose Mitutoyo indicators as well.)

I have and have used a number of high end indicators and dial comparators. I have a Compac type 555 dial in .0001" that has 1" travel, and built unbelievably well. It stays in a climate controlled area at all times.

At work I use work-supplied bore gages with Mahr dial comparators in .00005" and .0001". I would put these right up there with the best. We also use Interapid horizontal and vertical indicators in .0001" and .0005" extensively, which I've found to be be predominant standard of quality.

Mitutoyo makes excellent indicators as well, and price is usually not bad. Of course another of my most used indicators is an SPI (china) on a HF mag base. Toss a Ziploc bag on it and use inside a CNC to let you know if something is moving that shouldn't be. Get hot chips melted to lens, oops Idc. Accidentally smash it? HF indicator is what, $9.99?

A lot of brands exist that want to charge $$ for basically the same thing as hf. Go cheap or go name brand...your choice. Thats basically the indicator world.

 

[GrantCee]

What's the opinion of Fowler? Dont see them mentioned much but reviews seem positive.

The Fowler of today is nothing more a brand label attached to products of varying quality and place of manufacture. At one time their dial indicators were rebadged Kafers, but they went to China for those products some time ago. They'll likely be no better (or worse) than any other Chinese gage.

 

[jsteih]

Noga, with a Mitutoyo dial indicator. If you want a test indicator, then Interapid is the only way to go.

 

[Tallpilot]

Noga, with a Mitutoyo dial indicator. If you want a test indicator, then Interapid is the only way to go.

That's what I have. It gets my vote.

 

[metaldad]

ill have to look into noga
i have and still use starrett