Fowler Indicators

[Bill C.]

I have three calipers. Two mechanical dial types I bought my first one late 1960's. The next one in the 80's because the first one wasn't thin enough to measure some grooves I was cutting. They have been good to me, I babied all my measuring tools (was the way I was trained). Shame to admit they probably should have been cleaned and oil. Lastly a bought a HF 6" digital for Cub Scouts about ten years ago. Its been very good.

I appreciate all your information of those two brands, I never heard of them. When I started it was either Starrett or Brown and Sharpe tools.

 

[markba633csi]

Just bought an "Alina" swiss indicator on Ebay. Supposedly same parentage as Compac and maybe Interapid? Anyway, I'll report on the result when it arrives. I like getting surprise packages
Mark S.

 

[markba633csi]

Just got the used Alina M31 indicator- well used but seems to work perfectly. Says Compac on the side. Has a tiny lever for changing direction. Also got a mag base and some dovetail fittings- all for 23.50/Ebay. Very pleased.
Mark S.
PS Etalon micrometers are/were made by Alina too- good swiss stuff.

 

[coolidge]

I have had some Fowler and SPI measurements tools made in China, they did not hold up very well and broke or did not hold accuracy.

Ditto! If it doesn't say Mitutoyo I won't buy it, I'm done with China.

 

[coolidge]

That's Just not right!!!!

I'm a engineer and I have Mitutoyo, Starrett, for my primary measuring tools. I also have and use several different Chinese manufactured digital calipers and other measuring tools, too! And they are dead accurate, checked with Mitutoyo gage blocks annually! I was also taught by my dad how to use a micrometer when I was around 9 years old, too!
And it's pretty bad I have to show QC personnel how to measure and use measuring tools many times over the years! And seasoned machinists that supposed to know better, well I won't go there....

Edit: Sorry for the rant...

If only you had stopped after the first sentence

 

[markba633csi]

I'm not totally against chinese stuff, I have a chinese caliper that works well, many years old from Enco in San Jose and I had to cherry-pick from a big pile on the shelf. I just won't invest heavily in chinese if I can afford something else. I'd much rather have a used, shopworn USA or Swiss tool than a brand new aisian one.
Mark S

 

[Restorer]

I have owned and used many indicators. Do not buy any made in China.
My preference is: 1) Brown & Sharpe 2) Mitutoyo 3) Starrett 4) Federal indicator (bought from a retiring toolmaker).

 

[comstock-friend]

And it's pretty bad I have to show QC personnel how to measure and use measuring tools many times over the years! And seasoned machinists that supposed to know better, well I won't go there....

I'm an engineer too. I had the 'professional QC' personnel measure a 0.496" diameter tubular heater. I showed him all was within spec. He grabs my dial caliper and the heater, and shows me the dial some 45 thou small. Grabs another heater, same thing. He was measuring up against the scale in the relief under the anvils. Crazy!

John