What size dovetail cutter? Mitutoyo test indicator

[ChazzC]

Stefan ground a single flute cutter for the dovetail in his version of a Solid Indicator Stand:

 

[Janderso]

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.

I thought of that and I decided this is a learning endeavor so I’d like to make the part.

 

[Janderso]

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.

I do have one and that is a great idea. Now that I’ve ordered the cutter.
Hmm, we’ll see how it goes.
Stephan is a very talented machinist. He makes everything look easy.

 

[ChazzC]

I do have one and that is a great idea. Now that I’ve ordered the cutter.
Hmm, we’ll see how it goes.
Stephan is a very talented machinist. He makes everything look easy.

He's also friendly & open to questions: I reached out to him via his email (on contact page of his channel) a few months ago about a fixture he was using and he got back to me within a day.

Have fun!

 

[Janderso]

He's also friendly & open to questions: I reached out to him via his email (on contact page of his channel) a few months ago about a fixture he was using and he got back to me within a day.

Have fun!

I just watched his year end shop video. Interesting fellow.

 

[Janderso]

I’m waiting for the dovetail cutter I ordered.
Stephan installed a hardened pin and pressed a ball bearing into the adjustment screw for the fine adjust between the two parts.
I’ll work on that today.
I kept the test indicator piece too long so I could dial in the length and cut off the excess on e I am at the point where I can determine the best length.
Is this clear as mud?
I’m having a ball. This is a learning process which always keeps me looking forward to my time out in the shop.

 

[WobblyHand]

Beautiful work! Something to aspire to.

 

[Janderso]

Ah the heck with it.
I’m not gonna pay $80 fir a dovetail cutter.
One if you guys said, make it yourself.
So, I did.
It was a broken 3/8 tap.
Tomorrow I plan on trying it out on a piece of aluminum.

 

[Eyerelief]

Ah the heck with it.
I’m not gonna pay $80 fir a dovetail cutter.
One if you guys said, make it yourself.
So, I did.
It was a broken 3/8 tap.
Tomorrow I plan on trying it out on a piece of aluminum.

That looks great! Can't wait to see how it cuts

 

[Nutfarmer]

I like it. Nothing ventured nothing gained