What size dovetail cutter? Mitutoyo test indicator

[Janderso]

Hi,
I'm making a squareness comparator. I need to cut the dovetail to hold a dial test indicator.
I assume this is a standard size??

What dove tail cutter do I buy?

Thanks for helping out!!

 

[twhite]

I believe you will need a 1/4” 60 degree cutter.


Cutting oil is my blood.

 

[twhite]

You might need to look into Mico100 for that small of a cutter. Unless you can grind you own. Harvey Tools is also a good source for specialty cutters.


Cutting oil is my blood.

 

[twhite]

Found this on Amazon. Better price than $100 from Harvey.

https://www.amazon.com/Tungsten-Carbide-Dovetail-1-5-16mm-Machinie/dp/B0BC8R283S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?hvadid=73255248769502&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvqmt=e&keywords=60%2Bdeg%2Bdovetail%2Bcutter&qid=1672427692&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSzhOVEhQSTNKUzdBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODExOTA5WldJNjcyN0E4UDcxJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1MzU4NTAyOEFKT0lZWkRURDZHJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

Cutting oil is my blood.

 

[Nutfarmer]

When you finish the comparator please share some pictures.

 

[ChazzC]

You may want to search for a 6mm (or 4mm) hss cutter: I checked my DTI dovetails and they run from 5.9mm - 6.1mm and hss would be more forgiving than carbide.

 

[Janderso]

I found this pic after I posted.
I believe a 3/16” dovetail cutter will do the job.
Man, these are not cheap. I found one shipped for $65.
I may have bit off more than I can chew.

 

[twhite]

Maybe make the dovetail in 2 separate pieces. Then use 2 dowel pins as guides with a small screw between them to tighten everything up. That way if you have any random dovetail you can use it.


Cutting oil is my blood.

 

[Nutfarmer]

Can you purchase a pre made piece that fits the dovetail. It
may be cheaper than the cutter. I have a fiting that fits the dovetail and fits a mag. base. No need to reinvent the wheel.

 

[pontiac428]

I don't remember if you had a Deckel type grinder or not, but this is a perfect excuse to grind a d-bit for your fine dovetail.