Dial indicator set up for SB 9a

[Marine]

Dial indicator set up for South Bend 9a

Hello,

I recently purchased a South Bend 9 a and need to set up the dial indicator. It is a plunger style indicator that's made in Germany with no manufacturer name.

My question is how can I properly set this up to work in my holder or is this set up not practical to use. Also the indicator sits too high. Here are a few pics.

 

[francist]

If youre content to take the tool out anyway you could just make a little block of the proper height that goes right into the compound t-slot. Otherwise, I think I'd be tempted to use a mag base on top of the cast cross feed cover. Means you might have to indicate from the back side of the workpiece sometimes but its do-able.

-frank

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I've always used a mag base & rod set to indicate my lathe work pieces. As far as setting the cutting bit for center, I just make a few practice cuts by facing off a piece of round stock.

 

[Micke S]

Perhaps the bushing on the back is removable so the gauge will come down to spindle center once the bushing is discarded?

 

[Marine]

Ok right on guys thank you.
I took the bushing off and I will secure it to the square stock with a machine screw. If this isn't good enough I will take the suggestion about the new set up with the mag base. At that time a quick change tool post may also be a consideration.


Thank you and happy holidays.

 

[Marine]

Ok,
Got it mounted correctly, what does each line represent of the whole value? I haven't seen any other dial indicators that are read in this manner. Could anyone explain to me if this is the correct tool for the job and if it is how is it read.

Thank you.

 

[Marine]

Any ideas on how to read this thing?

 

[francist]

Looks from here like its measuring in one-thousandth of an inch increments. One full revolution of the needle would equal 20-thousandths of an inch. Maximum travel appears to be about 140-thousandths (seven full revolutions as illustrated on the smaller revolution count scale?)

If you have it set in your holder now, can you zero the instrument and then use the dials on your cross slide to move it a known amount and see if the indicator confirms that?

How did you end up resolving the height issue?

-frank

 

[Marine]

For the height i took a machine screw and turned and beveled the head so it sat flush inside the tool then put it on top of the tool holder and held it on with a machine screw.

What would each line represent? I'm just trying to center something in the four jaw chuck is all