Is this a good instrument holder and holder match

[Mayhem]

(07-26-2014, 08:40 PM)tackit Wrote: ...I'm still leaning the basics of machining, What upsets me most right now is I can't seem to cut a smooth surface.... I have to file and then use emery clothe to get a decent look.

When I see Tom's and you other guys work it destroys me. I use HSS bits thinking they are better for my small 8" lathe but nothing I do seems to work.

Start another thread on this topic and show some pictures of the surface finish you are getting and the tool you are using. There are lots of variables in play such as depth of cut, feed rate, rpm, tool nose radius, whether your tool is on centre hight, rigidity of the set up etc. If you can post the pics and give details of these variables, I'm certain that you will get the information you need to be producing nice finishes consistently.

[tackit]

OK thanks Mayhem, I'll get to it sometime early this next week. I'm just getting started on my snapper mower, it needs a new belt from the electric clutch to mower, blades and something is not right with it's new fuel pump... I have to give it shot of starting fluid to get it running after it sits for awhile.

I have tool steel, hot rolled and aluminum available, what do you think would be best? Thanks again

[Mayhem]

Which are you having the most problems with? I'd go with that one first and you will probably find that sorting that one out will help you sort out any issues with other materials. Or at least get you heading in the right direction.

Back on topic now and I can see a Noga holder in my future. All I have is one of the Chinese ones with the locking knob on the joint between the two arms (same as the large one in the top left-hand photo you posted). I cost about the same as what you paid for the Noga and I cannot zero the dial on a DI/DTI without moving it, no matter how tight I lock it down

[Arbalest]

Keep an eye on that Fowler, seems you get what you pay for.

http://www.amazon.com/Fowler-52-520-199-...B00B5HQ1BO

[PixMan]

Fowler is a lot like SPI in that they have two distinctly different quality levels. The "pedestrian" level high volume stuff like indicators, mag stands, v-blocks, 1-2-3 blocks and other sundry items are all Chinese import crap that you can get from MSC, Enco, and a host of other suppliers under various brand names.

Then there's their high end gauging and inspection tools that are truly world class and are made right here in Massachusetts. Of course you can see it in the pricing too.

[Arbalest]

As far as DTI's go:

"When shopping Fowler, if it doesn't say "Swiss Made" don't buy it"

http://www.longislandindicator.com/p37.html

I wish we had an outfit like Long Island Indicator over here, they really seem to know their stuff.

[EdK]

I don't know, I've had my Fowler DTI for about 10 years and I haven't had any problems with it. I abuse the hell out of it, not intentionally, and it still works. I know it's not a Mitutoyo, which I also have, but it works for me.

Ed

[Arbalest]

Have a look at the Long Island site Ed, they don't think much of Mitutoyo DTI's either.
Guess you have to be a real specialist to know as much about the subject as they do.
The good thing is you don't have to pay a lot of money to get a well made DTI.
As mentioned earlier these are very good:

http://www.longislandindicator.com/p235.html

http://www.deterco.com/products/mahr%20f...st_eng.pdf

[EdK]

I've seen that web site years ago. Good information but I can't afford or justify what they say to buy. I have no complaints with my Fowler and Mitutoyo DTIs. If I was making a living at this then it might be a different story but for a hobbyist, they're adequate for me.

Ed

[Arbalest]

These are mine. I bought the gold Tesa from a guy at work for £10. I got the other Tesa for £14 on eBay. The Compac was an impulse buy, brand new for £25. Not sure the Compac will get much use!