07-05-2014, 06:09 PM
Actually, you don't use an indicator for taking measurements of accuracy, just reference. If you were to truly gauge the lead, I would use a dial test indicator together with a gauge block setup. Place a plate across the ways, fasten a gauge block of a given length to it with a second one wrung to it leaving a shoulder. Attach a good dial test indictor on your Noga mag base, zero out the DTI at the end of the gauge block, lets say a 2" one, and zero the cross slide dial there too. Move it off and back on a couple of times to assure it repeats to the same spot on both at the start.
Now move the indicator off the block with a slight carriage movement in Z. Wind the cross slide in by almost 2", aiming the tip of the DTI at the second block's "landing spot". Looking at the DTI, bring it right to the same zero it was on at the first block. Now look at the dial on the cross slide. It should be on a "zero" if your cross slide dial is even turns to get from the start to 2" in. If it's not there, you have a pitch error.
It's easier to do than to describe, and If I had time I'd go do mine an post photos.
Now move the indicator off the block with a slight carriage movement in Z. Wind the cross slide in by almost 2", aiming the tip of the DTI at the second block's "landing spot". Looking at the DTI, bring it right to the same zero it was on at the first block. Now look at the dial on the cross slide. It should be on a "zero" if your cross slide dial is even turns to get from the start to 2" in. If it's not there, you have a pitch error.
It's easier to do than to describe, and If I had time I'd go do mine an post photos.