Lathe indicator holder

[Brad]

I have been using a magnetic base to hold indicators on the lathe. I like using a dial indicator when length is critical as the dials on my lathe are a bit coarse.
This is what I ended up with. Coulda been another 1/4-1/2” longer to keep the screw hole from being so close to the edge.

 

[Gary]

I like it! The Ways on my Lathe are like your's and I would make the holder except that I don't have a Mill to cut out the profile of the Way. Maybe someday, maybe.

 

[smokeywolf]

Brad, that's the DRO and Trav-A-Dial of the first half of the 20th century and before. I have a couple of those, plus travel indicators in 2, 3 and 5 inch.

 

[Brad]

I may just invest in a 2 or 3” travel indicator to get better use from it. You are right, this is an old school DRO.

I did the milking all by eye. Lay out the ones and angles and just kill to the lines. Made it up as I went.

The 7/16” cobalt roughing end mill at 1500 rpm removes 6061 very well. I was impressed. Left a decent finish too, certainly good enough for this project.

 

[freebullet]

Nice work, Brad.

That should be really handy & much more stable than magnetic mounting.

 

[Pistolero]

I have the 2" travel indicator sitting in a box....waiting for a couple of extra round tuits to
show up.

Looks good. Without a DRO this is the best way to get axial accuracy.

Bill

 

[Brad]

May make another a bit longer this weekend. Having made one it will go quicker the second time around.
I bought a decent quality 10-32 spiral point tap and man does it make taping under power easy with a thru hole.

 

[Pistolero]

Yes, I bought a number of them on recommendation of my tool and die maker friend.
A revelation! Way mo betta. Spiral point taps...that is.