HF Dial Indicators - any good?

[p8ntblr]

Anyone use these? Are they accurate?

Bottom of the page.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...7_RetailA.html

[ragswl4]

Anyone use these? Are they accurate?

Bottom of the page.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...7_RetailA.html

I have used them to set the blades on my jointer, check runout on the TS and DP. While I have not checked their accuracy, is .001 really .001, they work fine for what I use them for. The measurements I take are all relative, not dimensional. I also use one to set the infeed height of my jointer.

[p8ntblr]

That's pretty much what I need it for aligning TS blade with miter slot, jointer knives, etc. So you did the five cut (and other tests) and everything was copasetic? I'll give'em a try. I guess I can't really go wrong with the price.

[LCHIEN]

I pretty much can't find fault with any of the three or four I've got.

Any time I check, they match up against the HF digital calipers which I have checked before against mitutoyos.

Basically great bargains. Considering they'll cost you $20-75 elsewhere.

[ragswl4]

That's pretty much what I need it for aligning TS blade with miter slot, jointer knives, etc. So you did the five cut (and other tests) and everything was copasetic? I'll give'em a try. I guess I can't really go wrong with the price.

Hate to show my ignorance but I don't know what "the five cut" test is. Bottom line is if you don't like them (but I think you will) you can always return them within 30 days for a refund. BTW I think I paid around $7 for mine, on sale.

[Bollox]

I've owned or used 1/2 a dozen of the HF Dial Indicators over the years. They have all been pretty accurate. I have one right now that the face doesnt want to rotate very easily which is a bit of a pain, but for the price I wont worry about pitching it and buying another.
They are like the HF digital calipers - cheap, they do the job, are pretty **** accurate, but arent as silky smooth as the Mitutoyo's that are 10 or 12 times the price.
Mike

[mpauly]

"5 cut test" description

http://benchmark.20m.com/articles/Th...eSidedCut.html

[gatordogs2]

Newbie Q - what exactly does the Dial Indicator do?

[Tequila]

I've used mine for TS alignment and router bit height adjustment, and it seems to work just fine.

Newbie Q - what exactly does the Dial Indicator do?

Second result on Google:
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Measuremen...indicators.htm

[Garasaki]

I found that I was never able to visualize the function of a dial indicator, until I actually bought one (a HF one btw) and used it. Sort of an "ah ha!" moment.

A slick piece of equipment, and it's hard to believe the accuracy it has (that is, it's sort of amazing to use and see how it reflects tiny changes). Once you have one, all sorts of fun measuring jigs become a possibility.

[gatordogs2]

[QUOTE=Tequila;295735]I've used mine for TS alignment and router bit height adjustment, and it seems to work just fine.

Ok, so now I know what it's used for but have no clue on how to use one. I'm buying a TS and router so it should be handy but not sure how it works.

Please advise.

[LCHIEN]

How dial gauge works

Its a 2-hand dial with a lightly loaded spring probe.
The "hour hand" indicates .1" per div ten turns per inch
the "minute hand" is .01 per div., 0.100 per revolution,
If you affix the gauge solidly to some reference point, then the probe will ride against the object to be measured and you can read very small deflections of the probe tip on the two dial hands.

It's very important to fasten the gauge to a solid, non-flexing holder or jig because you can't hand-hold something within 1000's of an inch.
The dials have an adjustable zero so you can make +/- relative measurements after setting the zero point.

[p8ntblr]

Loring,

Did you also use the HF base? Also on the link

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...7_RetailA.html

[JR]

It's very important to fasten the gauge to a solid, non-flexing holder or jig because you can't hand-hold something within 1000's of an inch.
The dials have an adjustable zero so you can make +/- relative measurements after setting the zero point.

So, you might use it to measure whether your miter slot is aligned with the blade on your TS. Position the holder at one end of the blade and set the guage to zero. Move the holder to the other end of the blade and the guage will tell you the difference in distance from miter slot to blade, measured in .001" resolution.

JR

[LCHIEN]

So, you might use it to measure whether your miter slot is aligned with the blade on your TS. Position the holder at one end of the blade and set the guage to zero. Move the holder to the other end of the blade and the guage will tell you the difference in distance from miter slot to blade, measured in .001" resolution.

JR

Maybe its obvious, or not, for this example, use you need a jig, basically a miter bar mounted to a small sled, on the sled is fixturing to mount the gauge to so that the probe extends toward the sawblade on the right side and positioned at the working distance of the probe (so the probe spring is slightly compressed).
You can buy or make one; purchased ones tend to be pricey.