Hi all, I need to tap into the collective wisdom for sources of dial indicators and stands.
I need an indicator to measure run out on boat prop shafts - surprisingly sensitive to being out of true....ask me how I know
Also other tasks around and about ie. deflection on the blades in the panel saw, slop on the quill of the pillar drill etc.
So, by engineering standards this is all pretty agricultural.
Despite the relative lack of accuracy needed, I like good tools (who doesn't) and for once I'm in funds so I'm prepared to buy above the quality needed for immediate use in the hope that one day I'll get the task that gives the smug sense of satisfaction derived from having spent up initially - if you see what I mean.
I can stretch to about £130 including a universal stand, I'm hoping to find decent, last a lifetime type stuff.
I'm aware that this is a lot of money for something that may only come out of the cupboard a couple of times a year, also feels v. privileged when people are struggling to pay the bills. Also aware that engineers amongst you may feel there's nothing worth having for less that £xxx.
Looks like Mitutoyo is the best bet, Starrett seem too pricy, the Insize brand from Cutwell look interesting.
I'm reluctant to buy from ebay or amazon, Ali express or the like as I don't know enough to judge quality - are there knock off Mitutoyo bits around?
However, I've spent the best part of an afternoon disappearing down various rabbit holes at the end of which I don't feel much wiser just a lot more confused.
Any help much appreciated. Even just general advice on the features to look for would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance.
T
I need an indicator to measure run out on boat prop shafts - surprisingly sensitive to being out of true....ask me how I know
Also other tasks around and about ie. deflection on the blades in the panel saw, slop on the quill of the pillar drill etc.
So, by engineering standards this is all pretty agricultural.
Despite the relative lack of accuracy needed, I like good tools (who doesn't) and for once I'm in funds so I'm prepared to buy above the quality needed for immediate use in the hope that one day I'll get the task that gives the smug sense of satisfaction derived from having spent up initially - if you see what I mean.
I can stretch to about £130 including a universal stand, I'm hoping to find decent, last a lifetime type stuff.
I'm aware that this is a lot of money for something that may only come out of the cupboard a couple of times a year, also feels v. privileged when people are struggling to pay the bills. Also aware that engineers amongst you may feel there's nothing worth having for less that £xxx.
Looks like Mitutoyo is the best bet, Starrett seem too pricy, the Insize brand from Cutwell look interesting.
I'm reluctant to buy from ebay or amazon, Ali express or the like as I don't know enough to judge quality - are there knock off Mitutoyo bits around?
However, I've spent the best part of an afternoon disappearing down various rabbit holes at the end of which I don't feel much wiser just a lot more confused.
Any help much appreciated. Even just general advice on the features to look for would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance.
T
of good second hand ones on the market still
. and as for the prop tubes, they are made from 3.0mm brass tube and fitted with bronze bearings and an O ring in the end to work as a seal. and the prop is 12mm diameter 
(with a £1 coil for scale)