Dial calliper mounted on lathe

Tozguy

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I remember reading about someone who mounted a dial caliber on his lathe to measure carriage travel (or maybe it was for tail stock quill travel?) but I have not been able to find it again. Do any of you know of this and where I might find some pictures?
This question refers to dial calipers and not dial indicators. Thanks.
 
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I remember reading about someone who mounted a dial caliber on his lathe to measure carriage travel (or maybe it was for tail stock quill travel?) but I have not been able to find it again. Do any of you know of this and where I might find some pictures?
This question is refers to dial calibers and not dial indicators. Thanks.
Why not get one of the inexpensive Chinese magnetic DRO sets?
https://thediyoutlet.com/products/1...ing-machines?gclid=CJ3h07bXn9MCFYoy0wodZAQPPw
or
http://www.drokits.com/
 
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Thanks for the replies. My interest is in using a DIAL CALIPER to measure carriage travel. The idea is inspired from this video
where he uses a dial indicator mounted to the right of the carriage.
Rather than use a dial indicator and get only 2'' of travel, I am considering making a quick detach mounting bracket that would hold an 8'' or 12'' dial calliper on the carriage and bed.
When not required on the lathe the callipers would serve as usual for other purposes.
I have trouble using digital readouts and much prefer analog read outs.
 
You could certainly make mounts to clamp the jaws of a dial caliper.

My only cautions would be that dial calipers do not like to be moved too rapidly or pinion gear can skip teeth. Also being used on the carriage it will subject to a lot of debris and other such things that are not good for dial calipers. When the jaws are open the rack gear is exposed and vulnerable to contamination.
 
Look around for a Trav-A-Dial. I've used one for years and left mine on my main lathe even after putting the DRO on. I still tend to use it for quick work because it's easier to watch the needle come up to a critical measurement than watch the digits flash by on a screen.
 
Interesting about the Trav-a-dial. Thanks.

My preferred option for now is still a dial calliper because it could also be used for other purposes.
This is one with a cover on the rack.
http://www.kbctools.ca/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=8-302-DC8&catlist=9703&parent=8980
Being mounted on the right of the carriage the calliper would be less exposed to chips and oil but a clear cover could be used over it for added protection. It would only be mounted on the lathe when needed then removed.
 
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