Center Funding With an Edge Finder

[RaisedByWolves]

I was right with you until you said it was delicate. The Blake version certainly isn't. I bought one years ago (still have it). I like it for a number of things, and it's much more convenient than even my 2-faced Gem indicator, but you're right, they eat up Z height like nobodies business. As an added note I am not so impressed with the (not so) superlative quality of the Blake that I would steer anyone away from knockoffs.

GsT

I have a Blake that is going on 30yrs old and have no issues with it.

Just learn to ignore the “Blake tick” and you’re golden.

The imports are pretty sloppy in some cases, others not so much so it’s a bit of a crap shoot buying them.

 

[gard]

I am a more recent owner of a Blake, it still puts a grin on my face every time I use it. I was almost ready to hit the buy now button on an import and my wife said if you are going to buy one, get something made in USA not an import. I love that woman.

 

[epanzella]

Your explanation in post 1 was not clear to me. If you're using a .200 EF locate the edge and move over .100 plus half the diameter of the work. All must be moved in only one direction because of back lash.

 

[ChazzC]

I agree . But for a hobby shop it'll work fine .

The Indicol style are handy as you can use them without removing whatever is in the spindle (I have clones – an ENCO version from the 80's and a "Z-Limit" I got from LMS). Since tool changes aren't a big deal to me, I prefer this style:


What Stefan calls a "Jig Borer Style" holder.

 

[AGCB97]

OR
A coaxial indicator.

No calculating
No pulling out hair
No DRO needed
Very fast and very accurate.

Aaron

 

[CJ5Dave]

A lathe is bad enough for needing tooling, but seems like every job with the mill requires another online order for $100 plus tooling. The guy I bought the mill from said stop by and he would give me another indicator. Might be one of those mentioned.

 

[Manual Mac]

CJ5, back in my sailing days, a boat buck was a C-note. It’s considerably more now.
My hobby machining is cheap by comparison.