02-16-2016, 10:56 PM
Greg,
Plus/minus dial indicators like that are used for inspection on production parts, and aren't much good for general shop work. Your primary indicator should be a dial test indicator with .0005" divisions and a range of at least .020". The Interapid 312-B1 is what I use, but they are pricey at $250. Mitutoyo also makes pretty good indicators and for a lot less money. Their 513-402 fits the bill at $100.
I would not advise cheaping out on an indicator (the Chinese are not your friends). One that sticks or one that breaks the first time you bang it against the work isn't going to be your friend, especially if you scrap out a part because of it. The Interapid's are bullet proof and will last a lifetime. In fact, the one I am using today that I bought in the 80's was once launched across the shop by the mill (don't ask), and it still works as good as new. The Mitutoyo's not as much, but they are still good indicators.
Tom
Plus/minus dial indicators like that are used for inspection on production parts, and aren't much good for general shop work. Your primary indicator should be a dial test indicator with .0005" divisions and a range of at least .020". The Interapid 312-B1 is what I use, but they are pricey at $250. Mitutoyo also makes pretty good indicators and for a lot less money. Their 513-402 fits the bill at $100.
I would not advise cheaping out on an indicator (the Chinese are not your friends). One that sticks or one that breaks the first time you bang it against the work isn't going to be your friend, especially if you scrap out a part because of it. The Interapid's are bullet proof and will last a lifetime. In fact, the one I am using today that I bought in the 80's was once launched across the shop by the mill (don't ask), and it still works as good as new. The Mitutoyo's not as much, but they are still good indicators.
Tom
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