Test Indicators

[machPete99]

Yep, dovetails are the way to go. I have a 0.0005" Mitutoyo test indicator and really like it.

 

[Deleted member 69715]

I spent years calibrating, using and doing minor repairs to test indicators for an aerospace machine shop. The Interapid held up the best and was versatile and accurate.
I'd take one over a Mitutoyo.

 

[Dabbler]

You cannot go wrong with a Mitutoyo or Interapid. There are fakes out there, but I'm sure the Mitutoyo store will be fine. I have the half-thou and the tenths versions of the 513 with dovetails - both of them the kit. the extra pieces made it worth getting the kit.

If you are looking for used, a starrett or a Browne and Sharpe indicator will serve as well. this is a hobby, right?

A little unsettling that you have dropped your shars - we all make mistakes! If you drop any test indicator, and the stylus hits the pavement, it is 100% gone. I'm sure it happens more than it should.

 

[G-ManBart]

Took your advice and cancelled the order. I will be going with this one as you recommended.

Last week I bought the similar test indicator, but it's the version with a tilted dial as I thought it would be easier to read at times. It showed up a few days ago and I'm really happy with the quality. I'm literally sitting here waiting for USPS to drop off a Noga stand so I can test it out using the dovetails. It's a bit more expensive, but I thought the angled face might be worth the extra few dollars...time will tell.

Mitutoyo 513-442-10T Dial Test Indicator Full Set Tilted .06 in

www.msi-viking.com

 

[redvan22]

You cannot go wrong with a Mitutoyo or Interapid. There are fakes out there, but I'm sure the Mitutoyo store will be fine. I have the half-thou and the tenths versions of the 513 with dovetails - both of them the kit. the extra pieces made it worth getting the kit.

If you are looking for used, a starrett or a Browne and Sharpe indicator will serve as well. this is a hobby, right?

A little unsettling that you have dropped your shars - we all make mistakes! If you drop any test indicator, and the stylus hits the pavement, it is 100% gone. I'm sure it happens more than it should.

Yes, hobbyist only, no contracts

 

[GT-6 Racer]

Yes, hobbyist only, no contracts

I have 2 Interipid test indicators. the only brand new instruments I’ve ever bought. I have used several brands and would choose these if buying again. The other option might be the BestTest orange/black from B&S. I buy all my stuff from these guys. http://idealprec.com/ They also have a used/refurbished section. Service is good too.

 

[erikmannie]

Ok, after purchasing several POS test indicators from various online resources, it's time to get a Mitutoyo.

At their website, what appears to be the one for me is a Pocket Type Series 513. Specifically, the 513-518T. It seems to have more than I need (including case - most important) and Amazon has it for a reasonable price, considering the name.

I'm a hobbyist. No contracts to fill, just puttering around my shop trying to build a steam engine as a hobby and other small projects on mini mill and mini lathe.

If you check my posts, you'll know all you need to know.

Does my selection sound right for me or do you have a better selection to suit my needs? (Mitutoyo only please. Tired of wasting $$$)

Mike

I appreciate and concur with your point about wasting time & money on POS (to use your adjective) instruments. In almost all cases, I won’t even consider “Chinese import” (to use my adjective) tooling for my shop.

At some point, we consumers need to support & thus reward en masse those manufacturers who value precision & quality over “affordability”. I have definitely found such affordability to be a *mirage* in that I waste my valuable time futzing with quasi-junk, only to be required to *start all over* by re-purchasing the item with a quality replacement.

My Chinese tooling only has value as beater tooling, which does find an application in my shop because sometimes my working tolerance is 1/32” or (gasp!) even 1/16”.

This is not at all to assert that Chinese import instruments & tooling are not capable of achieving precision better than 1/32”. I have gotten to 3 tenths with Chinese import equipment compared to 1 tenth with Taiwanese equipment.

Stepping down from the soapbox, I think that you will be pleased with a Mitutoyo, .0005” grad, dovetailed DTI.

 

[Dabbler]

I actually have a drawer full of dial plunge indicators from offshore sources. when I make a test jig I use one of those, and leave it there semi=permanently. for 10 bucks, they do the job. Once calibrated with gauge blocks their repeatability is well under the .001 they advertise.

I have a Federal and a Mitutoyo plunge indicator for delicate measurements, such as centering in a 4 jaw chuck.

(surprisingly I like the Federal indicator slightly better - I think it is easier to read (black on pale green dial)

 

[Firstram]

(surprisingly I like the Federal indicator slightly better - I think it is easier to read (black on pale green dial)

I love the Federal dials, they make me feel like I'm gazing into a deep Caribbean lagoon!

 

[DeadGuyAle]

I've purchased multiple indicators from the Mitutoyo store on Amazon with no problems.
Do agree that it can be a little confusing based on some of the descriptions. Typically I go to the manufactures web site to get model numbers and use that to verify the amazon product.
Have a Mitutoyo account also and register the products, so far everything has been a positive experience.

steve