Best edge finder?

[ScrapMetal]

I know that "best" is probably relative so the real question would be, "Which type and brand of edge finder do you prefer and why?".

I am tool shopping for my "new" mill now that I have it powered up and operational.

Thanks guys,

-Ron

[doubleboost]

Hi
Ron
This is certainly the cheapest
http://www.metalworkingfun.com/showthread.php?tid=327
John

[EdK]

http://www.fishermachine.com/

Because they are great products at reasonable prices made by a family business in the USA. They also make the Pee Dee thread measuring wires.

Ed

[Tony Wells]

I've been known to use a 0.5000 dowel pin and some Dykem.

[krv3000]

well this is a old one get a 6mm dawl pin put that in to your chuck or in to a Colet set the mill a way macrk the dawel with a large felt tip pen bring the dawel to the edge and touch on once you start to see the pen bin rubs off stop -3 then you is on the edge

[TomG]

I have used a 1/2" dowel as Tony suggested, but this one won't mark the part.

Tom

[Tony Wells]

I have a couple of 827A's that see regular use (probably my favorites), and a full 0.5000 single end version, as well as a 0.5000 body diameter with a 0.2000 contact cylinder on one end and a point on the other. They all have their places. I don't remember the model numbers, but some are Starrett and one s a Fowler, if memory serves.

The Dykem EF is a Poor Boy's edge finder. If you're careful, and you're supposed to be when edge finding, it won't mark the part beyond a little dye transfer. Plus you can get a 6" long drill rod and reach some awkward places where standard edge finders are difficult or impossible to use.

I've never tried the electronic models with LED's. Seems like a good idea, but I'd have to test it extensively to be satisfied with it, I think.

[f350ca]

I've had the no name edge finders but bought a Starrett and the repeatability is night and day difference. Looks like the one Tom posted above. There wasn't much of a cost difference either. Tried an electronic one, was good but when the battery died I went back to the mechanical one.

[ScrapMetal]

Thanks a lot guys. That will get me going in the right direction. Thanks for reminding me on the PeeDee thread wires Ed. I was meaning to get a set of those as well but it got buried on my list.

-Ron

[Bill Gruby]

I use the Starrett shown above for curved edges. On straight edges I have a Moore Edge Finder that I picked up a few years back.

"Billy G"