Indicator Fine Adjuster for magnetic base or other mount

[jjr2001]

It is much easier to re-zero the indicator when you have a specific knob that just changes
the indicator engagement and you don't have to loosen the supporting linkage.

Very similar to Brand name units but newly put on paper by me!

My steel was just a piece of 3/4" by about 2" long hot rolled.
Finished dimensions are a bit under the drawing sizes but you can get the complete picture from them.
Requires in addition one 10-32 thumb screw and one 5mm x .8 button head short screw.
Make sure the button head screw is not too long or it could hit the rotating magnet in the magnetic base.
(in my base you can see the part rotate thru the top mounting hole).

Cheers, JR

[PJs]

Nice write up, pics and drawing, JR. Thanks for the good idea. I find the ones that have the adjuster in the head jump around when trying to dial it in and not smooth at all. This would be a good fix and the brass screw would tend to be smoother too.

PJ

[jjr2001]

Thanks PJ. The brass thumb screw head could be larger in diameter. I find this one a bit small but it works for now.

Cheers, JR

[ncollar]

JJR
Very nice idea and build. I like the size of the adjustment screw, no worry about bumping the mag base out of position.
Very nice and such a simple fix. Thank you for sharing.
Nelson

[old_toolmaker]

jjr2001,

Thanks for posting this neat idea! Where did you find the red linkage?

[jjr2001]

Thanks Nelson, it does improve the "setability" of the DTI or DI.
I am working on another type but need to fix my mini lathe first.
Seems that I have one or more bad FETs in the controller. Think I will just change out all of them at once.

Dick, I bought them a couple of years ago on eBay.
Here is a current link on eBay that I found today:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Metalwork-G...vTa:rk:22:pf:0



Cheers, JR

[DIYer]

Thanks jjr2001! We've added your Indicator Mount Fine Adjuster to our Measuring and Marking category,
as well as to your builder page: jjr2001's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Indicator Mount Fine Adjuster by jjr2001

tags: adjustable, mount

[marksbug]

Ive had a few ..well to many indicator bases that had those fine adjusters on them( on one of the shafts)...I hate them.tomuch flex witch gives you the rong readings. I throw them away.yours does look a little better and may work fine.have you checked it at all angles of attack agnist a non"jointed" set up? check it every 45 degrees or so to see if there is any deflection, probably wont be with the way you made it witch looks a whole lot better than the crap I throw away. I also hate the china indicator bases that have the PLASTIC rod connectors/pivots/joints..and also...the junk fine adjustment..that shortend the rods length when removed......wtf??crap there go's my blood pressure....errrr. yours does look very eazy to make. I may have to make one.
Ive also started buying the digetail indicators (1&2" travel type) they move so freeley it reduces any chance of anything flexing.most modern indacators seem to have way to tight of a spring in them. no I dont buy any more expensive indacators, all cheep **** for me these days.they read the same and when you drop or smash one you just laugh and grab another new one off the shelf.it's just those dam strong springs that i dont like in the analog type. but sometimes thats needed.and sometimes not. and the digital units on flebay for $12. aint a bad deal.I have many of those too. You can never have tomany indicators on tools and on the shelf's. I only have 3 or 4 dialtest units on hand...

[editor@glue-it.com]

Thought I would share this, not as flexible, but a simple articulated bar:

some flexibility in location and based on the fact that you can use 2 or 3 bars together


More details and photos are here: Moore & Wright Dial Test Indicator & Stand – glue-it.com

[jjr2001]

Thanks glue-it. Very nice indicator linkage. I may just have to try one.
Cheers, JR

Nice web site you have there. Lots of ideas and great organization.
There is a lot more there than glue!