Ideas of how to use dial indicator to monitor cross slide on 1973 10K

[twooldvolvos]

I am getting to know my 1974 South Bend 10K. One issue I am working on is how to comfortably monitor the position of my cross slide during turning. Its a challenge for me to see the marks on my cross slide dial. So I would like to set up a dial indicator to make it easier to see. With the tools I have, I can do it but not efficiently as shown in this pic. I used a magnetic holder stuck to the apron with a dial indicator swung up around touching on my tool post.




It is a bulky and awkward setup but it is much easier for me to read than my cross feed dial.

One problem is that the area where my magnetic base is stuck is not flat so it doesn't seat firmly. If you look at this pic you will see that its mounting surface is rounded slightly.





Do any of you have a cleaner setup you can recommend or comments on using a dial indicator as opposed to squinting at the dials? Thanks.

 

[MrWhoopee]

Buy a couple

 

[DavidR8]

I was going to suggest the same thing.
@twooldvolvos we have identical lathes with the large dials.
I have terrible close up vision so I use a pair of safety glasses that have a 2x magnifying area at the bottom of the lens. They work fantastic.


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[Ulma Doctor]

if you were so inclined, you could move the indicator to the aft position and indicate on the other end of the cross slide

 

[MrWhoopee]

The problem with using a DI, particularly on one of those donkey dicks, is that it introduces multiple possibilities for movement. This is especially true when you are trying to do it on a running (vibrating) machine over a period of time. If you really want to do it this way, make a rigid mount specific for the purpose that bolts to the machine.

 

[SLK001]

I wouldn't trust the readings I got from a DI hooked up this way. MrWhoopee's head mounted magnifier is the way to go.

 

[pacifica]

How about the back side? There should be an available bolt where the cross slide clamps on to the back rail, add a square of steel.

 

[twooldvolvos]

How about the back side? There should be an available bolt where the cross slide clamps on to the back rail, add a square of steel.

Thanks. I'll take a look.

 

[twooldvolvos]

The problem with using a DI, particularly on one of those donkey dicks, is that it introduces multiple possibilities for movement. This is especially true when you are trying to do it on a running (vibrating) machine over a period of time. If you really want to do it this way, make a rigid mount specific for the purpose that bolts to the machine.

"Donkey Dick" Great description. I wonder if that term is in the sales literature?

 

[MrWhoopee]

"Donkey Dick" Great description. I wonder if that term is in the sales literature?

I believe it is copyrighted by the Flexbar Machine Corp.

Inspection, Measurement, Precision, and Safety equipment

Flexbar, the producer of metrology grade replica and casting materials, also offers a growing line of precision measuring instruments, optical and video inspection systems, machine tool accessories, and the Flexbar Safety Guard System. Safety PPE panels for social distancing and barrier protection.

www.flexbar.com

Of course, that could just be machine shop legend.