Need some recommendations on a dial indicator and base. Sources, etc. Anyone using any precision measuring tools from Craftsman? want to measure to 1/2 thousanths or at least have a good indication of 1/2 thousandths.

Have A Great Day
Mike Crosby

Starret, Brown & Sharpe, Mitutoyo and Fowler all make top quality stuff, the Starret bases are about the best. Dial indicators that measure 1/2 thou, are available from Sears. The better units that measure in 1/10 are at places like MSC.

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Wally
Gold #67
67 Malibu "Small Block"
90 SS454
71 Malibu "Small Block"
93 torch red vette

I bought a cheapie at Harbor Freight that is that accurate for $10, also got a magnetic base for $15. I probably won't use them more than a dozen times in 10 years

Same as ken2
Go with harbor freight tools. I don't think there are any in MD so you will have to go to their web site or order from a catalogue.

Good luck.


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Mr. D
72 454 El Camino
68 RS/SS Camaro
73 RS/LT/Z28 Camaro
99 Firebird TA WS-6 A4

I use my dad's -- an old Starrett that he bought used in the 60s working at Borg&Beck. It's verrrry nice. Accuracy is only as valuable as the job you need it for, though. Are you degreeing a cam?

Degreeing a Cam, checking deck height, need to check runout on a Lakewood scattershield, driveshaft movement or thrust wear, etc., etc. Normal stuff. I got an old one that has not been taken real good care of and want another. I want to read at least from .030 to .0005 but don't really know too much about these tools. TIA
MikEC

When it comes to measuring close tollerance its best to get good quality tools . Dont by the cheap stuff you'll regret it in the long run. Ive been a machinist for 12 years and the brand I like to stick with is starret. Theres many other brands that are just as good but Id be a little leary of certain tools that are offered in catalogs like harbor freight or JC whitney. Just my opinion http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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Proud owner of a 66 chevelle. later, Nick a.k.a POPS
Member #387

I'm a Tool & Die maker and like the others have said you have to determine the amount of use vs. cost. If you are on a budget the cheap stuff will work. Accuracy and repeatability are what you pay for. My opinion is cheap out on the magnetic base. they all work fine, all they do is hold the measuring instrument. Spend your money on the indicator. I believe all you need for degreeing in cams and such would be a 1"-2' travel dial indicator. In my opinion .0005 incriments is overkill for engine work such as this. Remember a human hair is approx. .003 thick. So you are talking about measuring something to 1/6 the thickness of that. Tenths (.0000)come into play with motors in other areas but in my opinion not for degreeing in cams, etc. Thousands (.000) should be close enough.

Mike, I,ve used top stuff (starrett,b&s) and cheaper stuff (harbor freight) on the job (machine shop) and for checking automotive stuff(end plays,backlash,valve timing,bell housing runout). I,ve found that the h.f. cheap 1" travel indicator has performed very well and I really beat it pretty badly daily,but their mag base just did'nt have the grip,needed,so I would suggest testing one that you might buy against another to compare the grip. I've found that I'm always trying to stick it on a marginal surface and extended way out and that requires real sticking power. You may also want to get an extra post and clamp to get lined up in those spots. Rob

Some great input and I thank you. I thought I might need something that would read to a half a thousandths but maybe I don't. If I have an elcheapo that might be 1/2 thou off and I am going for 0 deck clearance I could find myself in trouble. The first thing I will do is mock up my 402 BB that will soon be back from BillK. He has to cut the deck and if I gotta have the deck cut I will cut it to .005. In this case .001 is close enough. I've been through Harbor Freight's web and they have a number of different dial indicators ranging in price from $10 to $60. I don't think I want to do a $10 one and I agree with a notation I saw in a signature here (don't remember who's) that says "The bitterness of poor quality last long after the sweetness of low price has gone" or something to that effect.

Have A Great Chevelle Day

Mike Crosby

I've been a machinist for 17yrs. and I agree with everyone.If it were me I'd buy a decent 1" dial indicator with a top quality magnetic base because of what Rainbowkid said.I've found myself at work just about ready to throw the base across the room because it won't stay in place.Very frustrating.You don't have to have the best just for occasional use.I always leave my base stuck to a piece of solid metal with the magnet on.My teacher told us it would keep the strength of the magnet up.Craftsman ind. would probably suffice for what you need but really check the magnet strenght.I think they are supposed to hold around 15lbs.

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John 67SS
ACES #2887
Team Chevelle Gold #127
Bassett,VA




[This message has been edited by 67ss (edited 01-12-2000).]