- Joined
- Dec 21, 2013
- Messages
- 186
Hey guys. Just wanted to post my first tool gloat, haha. A friend and I went out and about yesterday and toured some of the local pawn shops (and also ate at this awesome pizza buffet).
Didn't find hardly anything of interest! Of course, I'm a pretty tight penny-pincher as well. But as far as machinist tools, the only thing I found of interest was some 8" Fowler dial calipers for $30. I passed on them, somewhat regret doing so.
But at the last shop we went to, I found something that made the whole day worth it. In a back cabinet, they had some mics, and in a small paper package was a brand-new Fowler X-Test test indicator. After seeing some at my place of employment, I have wanted one of these very badly.
It's similar to an Interapid-type DTI, with a pivoting shank instead of only dovetails and attachable, stationary shanks. It gives you a much larger range that you can use it. They are very nice pieces of kit, and I'd recommend them in a heartbeat to anyone in need of a .0005 DTI.
Asked the guy what he wanted, he said $70. Tried to haggle with him, but he said they had my offer ($50) in it. Of course, he was probably full of it. But, after a little thought, I went for it.
Now, that by itself is a great buy. The thing is literally brand new, absolutely no signs of wear or so much as a smudge on the lens. I got it basically for two thirds-price. But then I looked at the paper pouch in come in.
It had a label on it made out to a person who I had gone to vocational school with. It appears that he got it through the WIA program (gov program that helps voc school students pay for tools), and never used it... he wasn't someone I was particularly fond of and he left pretty quick. But, a tool is a tool.
Just thought that was neat. It was pure chance that I found it. The price was fantastic, and the pouch was icing on the cake.
For reference, here's a link to the same DTI on Enco: http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=890-9980&PMPXNO=5507080&PARTPG=INLMK32
(Note - here's why I like to buy from Enco... the same indicator from darn near everywhere else is about $120-$130.)
Didn't find hardly anything of interest! Of course, I'm a pretty tight penny-pincher as well. But as far as machinist tools, the only thing I found of interest was some 8" Fowler dial calipers for $30. I passed on them, somewhat regret doing so.
But at the last shop we went to, I found something that made the whole day worth it. In a back cabinet, they had some mics, and in a small paper package was a brand-new Fowler X-Test test indicator. After seeing some at my place of employment, I have wanted one of these very badly.
It's similar to an Interapid-type DTI, with a pivoting shank instead of only dovetails and attachable, stationary shanks. It gives you a much larger range that you can use it. They are very nice pieces of kit, and I'd recommend them in a heartbeat to anyone in need of a .0005 DTI.
Asked the guy what he wanted, he said $70. Tried to haggle with him, but he said they had my offer ($50) in it. Of course, he was probably full of it. But, after a little thought, I went for it.
Now, that by itself is a great buy. The thing is literally brand new, absolutely no signs of wear or so much as a smudge on the lens. I got it basically for two thirds-price. But then I looked at the paper pouch in come in.
It had a label on it made out to a person who I had gone to vocational school with. It appears that he got it through the WIA program (gov program that helps voc school students pay for tools), and never used it... he wasn't someone I was particularly fond of and he left pretty quick. But, a tool is a tool.
Just thought that was neat. It was pure chance that I found it. The price was fantastic, and the pouch was icing on the cake.
For reference, here's a link to the same DTI on Enco: http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=890-9980&PMPXNO=5507080&PARTPG=INLMK32
(Note - here's why I like to buy from Enco... the same indicator from darn near everywhere else is about $120-$130.)
