Measuring run out onlathe projects

[PIKEMAN]

I know I need to get a mag base and indicator for my lathe work. Am I better served with the plunger style indicator, or the lever style? I am not building toilet seat hinge pins for the Space shuttle, but I would like to be true, square, concentric, etc. What resolution? I wouldprefer used US made to new Asian.. Any recommendations.







left handed, near sighted, trifocal wearin Paul

 

[Tony Wells]

For me, about 99% of the time I use a standard 1" travel indicator (AGD Group 2) on a mag base. No fancy flex arm or fine adjust. When it falls or gets clobbered, it's no big loss...I buy a $9.95 import, so no tears. I have others for when it really counts, but that setup suffices.

 

[Tom Griffin]

I have a good quality, name brand dial test indicator (lever type) that I use for stuff that really matters like indicating vises and setting up parts on the lathe and mill. For machine stops or other applications that take a lot of abuse, I use the cheaper import "sacrificial" dial indicators (plunger type). If I bang it too hard and strip the gears or saturate it in coolant and oil, it doesn't hurt so much to replace.

Tom

 

[8ntsane]

Paul

I would say, just pick up one of those 1 inch plunger jobs. The import indicaters are fine for most stuff. The elcheap-o indicaters are great for every day use on the general stuff. You might want to start with that, and in time move up to a better quality. I probably trash a few per yr. I seem to knock them off work benchs, and usually it works this way. Drop it once! might as well drop it twice, the second time, right in the trash can

I knocked a mag base, with a indicater off the top of a tool box on friday, the indicater lived, but the mag base was toast. But hey, I confess, I am a clumsy bastard. Left handed, with bifocals

 

[llarson]

I use a Teclock 1" travel for all but real picky stuff. They do meet accuracy standards, are durable, and not too expensive. I don't like overseas stuff any too much either, but also have to look at budget aspects, especially when I kill one.
Left-handed w/bifocals too

 

[Splat]

FWIW a friend of my brother's is a machinist and he recommended for my newbie self to get this dial indicator from Harbor Freight. It's cheap but he says works well and is good enough for him unless he needs something more accurate. I'm going to pick one up tonight. Don't forget your %20-off coupon!