Dial indicator suggestion
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Dial indicator suggestion
I'm looking for one mainly for automotive use. Anyone with a preference as in style -continuous, combination or balanced dial. Digital or analog. I am most interested in a suggestion for a manufacturer.
Thanks,
Reg
Thanks,
Reg
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I suggest Starrett, Federal, or Mitutoyo. Particular indicator will depend upon your uses. Remember just because an instrument MAY read down to 1/1000, or even 1/10000, that doesn't mean it is accurate to that degree. That is simply readability. Uncertainty and repeatability of measurement is important. The three manufacturers above are very reputable.
Final thought, "You get what you pay for...."
Final thought, "You get what you pay for...."
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
Amen on the "get what you pay for" Unless you are experienced I would opt for the analog. You will be able to see the difference between the plus or minus easier and which way the needle is travelling. Seeing the needle travel registers in you brain as movement moreso than a bunch of numbers flashing at you. Once you have experence with it then a digital ill work.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: wichita kansas
What style, travel and how close do you want to get? For a .030 travel I have a B&S that has served me for years and reads to .0005. If you need one of the full dial ones like the 1.0 travel then any of the major brands are good.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
Thus the question and a description of the use. For example does anyone find the combination dial something useful to have? As for travel 1" should suffice. I'd say .5" would fill the bill.
Price range is around $100 or so as it is not going to see lots of service. Sorry fixnair you don't like the digital. I have a digital vernier caliper that is a lot easier to read than it's non digital sister. However, the numbers aren't moving either as on a dial indicator.
Price range is around $100 or so as it is not going to see lots of service. Sorry fixnair you don't like the digital. I have a digital vernier caliper that is a lot easier to read than it's non digital sister. However, the numbers aren't moving either as on a dial indicator.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 904
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From: PHOENIX
I suggest Mitutoyo.
I have alot of their stuff and it is all top notch and not overpriced like Starrett.
And just as important is your mounting system. Noga makes very nice magnetic bases that will cost as much as your indicator, but they are well worth it. The imitation cheapies are very frustrating once you are used to the good stuff.
I have alot of their stuff and it is all top notch and not overpriced like Starrett.
And just as important is your mounting system. Noga makes very nice magnetic bases that will cost as much as your indicator, but they are well worth it. The imitation cheapies are very frustrating once you are used to the good stuff.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
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From: Frequently frozen MN
You might want to read some of the articles at longislandindicator.com
They are apparently a small instrument supply and repair place, and they have a lot of articles about various measuring instruments. They used to have a description of various companies, but they probably couldn't keep it current.
They do recommend a certain Mitutoyo for some applications. They describe the features that they think are worthwhile.
I recommend them as an info source mainly because they seem to be a small company willing to share things that they've learned from repairing various instruments.
I bought an indicator, based on their recommendations, some time ago. I don't really know all that much about indicators, but it seems to be everything that they said it would be.
ford2go
They are apparently a small instrument supply and repair place, and they have a lot of articles about various measuring instruments. They used to have a description of various companies, but they probably couldn't keep it current.
They do recommend a certain Mitutoyo for some applications. They describe the features that they think are worthwhile.
I recommend them as an info source mainly because they seem to be a small company willing to share things that they've learned from repairing various instruments.
I bought an indicator, based on their recommendations, some time ago. I don't really know all that much about indicators, but it seems to be everything that they said it would be.
ford2go
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
They slam the Chinese equipment rather hard and don't think too highly of the American made either. I'll try and make contact and see if they have any suggestions.
I looked up a couple of the Swiss manufacturers they think highly of but must pass as $200 for an instrument that will see little use would be impractical.
I like their site. Well laid out, and informative without all the glaring, bouncing distractions. Will bookmark. Thanks ford2go.
Reg
I looked up a couple of the Swiss manufacturers they think highly of but must pass as $200 for an instrument that will see little use would be impractical.
I like their site. Well laid out, and informative without all the glaring, bouncing distractions. Will bookmark. Thanks ford2go.
Reg
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 855
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From: Ocean Park WA
I use Starrett, Mitutoyo and have 2 Federals and a Mahr in my kit with me here in China right now. Good place to get a good simple kit is McMaster Carr for about $30.00. They have good basic 1 inch range continuous with a mag base. It does also have the adjustable arm which makes preloading easier and gives you a more accurate reading, it's an innexpensive one but works well. I used one for a long time till someone stole it. I had it checked and calibrated so it was good.