Quick Change Dial Indicator Holder.

[Mark Presling]

I recently upgraded my Colchester Student Lathe with a BXA wedge type QCTH. I badly wanted a Dial Indicator holder that was preset to the centre height of my spindle. I had some scrap aluminium bar stock the right size to make one but I knew that steel would be better. A quick look in the scrap box confirmed that I wouldn't be making it out of steel but the aluminium version shown here in the video works just the same. You have to treat it with respect since knocks can raise burrs on the dovetail surface but you shouldn't be knocking your precision indicator around anyway.
The version shown in the first video did work but the need to move the clamp rail along really annoyed me so I re machined that part and it is shown in the second video.

[DIYer]

Thanks Mark Presling! We've added your Quick Change Indicator Holder to our Lathe Accessories category,
as well as to your builder page: Mark Presling's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Quick Change Indicator Holder by Mark Presling

tags: dial indicator, QCTP

[high-side]

I enjoyed your 2nd video very much.

[Beserkleyboy]

Marc, Great video of the anodising process. Thanks very much.
Jim

[olderdan]

Very watchable video and great tutorial on anodising, something I have been thinking of attempting, many thanks. Presumably the colour stage is optional.

[Jon]

Congratulations Mark Presling - your Quick Change Indicator Holder is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

Nice job, on a big week around here! That's two tools, and two wins. You're our 7th two-in-a-row winner. Nobody has ever won three Homemade Tool of the Week awards in a row. Previous two-in-a-row winners are:

Brendon in 2015: Marking Gauge and Dovetailing Bench
mklotz in 2016: Bench Block Enhancements and Model Cement Mixer
tonyfoale in 2016: Horizontal Milling Machine and Drum Brake Grinder
rossbotics in 2017: Tilting Dividing Fixture and Dial Indicator Attachment, and again for Center Punch Guide and Deburrer
thehomeengineer in 2018: Ring Roller and Axle Stands
Stevohdee in 2018: Milling Machine Power Feed and Tool Post Grinder


Some more nice builds from this week:

Planer Blade Sharpening Machine by Vyacheslav.Nevolya
Tool Post Grinder by xynudu
Surface Conditioning Tool by Haslip Cycle Works
Carbide Grinder by N4NV
Rotary Positioner by Gary Huston
Dividing Head by threesixesinarow
Chainsaw Bike by meanwhileinthegarage
Bender and Roller by Frank S
Squaring Fixture by rgsparber
Screwless Vise Modification by jdurand
Lathe Ammeter by DIYSwede
Compound Slide Power Feed by Retro Steam Tech
Steady Rest by Frank S
Spot Welder by Let'sLearnSomething
Traveling Steady by DIYSwede
Mini Drill Press by Retro Steam Tech
Miter Gauge by Didpoolhall
Screwless Vise Modification by mklotz
Router Table by woodenworldenic
Repeat Meter by DIYSwede
Heavy Duty Turntable by theeddies
Drill Press Clamp by Make Things
Pull Test Fixture by jdurand
Tool Alignment Method by Okapi
Cylinder Center Finder by rgsparber
Shooting Plane and Board by Philip Davies
Pipe Bender by Kovanca Polock
Mini Lathe Crank and Handwheel by jdurand


Mark Presling - we've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post.

You'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and award choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

Nice work!