Dial Indicator, Shopsmiths' Modified

[dusty]

I have been using the Dial Indicator from Shopsmith. It works well but I have always been a bit frustrated by the fact that the miter bar does not fit shugly in the miter track. This little bit of slop introduces a small amount of error. This can be overcome by simply maintaining some side pressure on the jig to keep it firmly against one side or the other of the miter track.

Shopsmiths' Dial Indicator_l.jpg (140.76 KiB) Viewed 14493 times

Today I found myself with only a short amount of time for shop work; not enough for a project but enough to tinker. Tinker I did. Here is the result of my idle time this morning.

Riving Knife Adjustment 007.jpg (1.96 MiB) Viewed 14493 times

Riving Knife Adjustment 003.jpg (2.25 MiB) Viewed 14493 times

The Incra Miter Bar is adjustable in width so that the slop can be eliminated. What I have here is a kludge but it works. I am going to consider this a "proof of concept" and work on developing a better mounting method to facilitate quick, easy and reliable mounting of the dial indicator.

[ecom1]

Interesting idea - let us know how it goes, and if there is any play in the mounting apparatus.

[ChrisNeilan]

I like that!

[dusty]

Interesting idea - let us know how it goes, and if there is any play in the mounting apparatus.

There will be NO PLAY in the mounting apparatus. It will be tightly secured to the face of the miter gauge. The only play in the setup will come from the miter bar moving laterally in the miter track. That must be an absolute minimum or the entire project is a bust.

When I have some thing final, I will post.

[Ed in Tampa]

Looking good, Dusty! Thanks!

[dusty]

This was almost too easy to talk about. I am embarrassed,however, that I took so long to think of this. It works great. All I need to do is find either a wing nut or a knob to use for securing to jig to the miter gauge. I will then have a dial indicator that is dedicated to "table alignment".

This may not be the final version. I still have a couple ideas to try.

[sehast]

Definitely better than the the original which I also have as well as the Incra miter gauge. You have inspired me to do some tinkering with mine.

[ecom1]

Thanks for sharing - that's given me some ideas as well.

[dusty]

Mix this in with your ideas only maybe longer and heavier.

Dial Indicator Mount 002.jpg (1.46 MiB) Viewed 14268 times

The spacers and washers would need to be properly sized and all the same. Those shown here are not. I'm also thinking longer to give more lateral stability. Maybe steel tubing for more weight. Brass bushings maybe.

[dusty]

Hand selected washers to get them all the same size. Had to use a different tip than I wanted in order to get the reach. Would prefer to use a ball tip.

Dial Indicator 2 005.jpg (1.62 MiB) Viewed 14216 times

Dial Indicator 2 004.jpg (1.72 MiB) Viewed 14216 times

I've just been informed that "shop time has ended". There are more important things to be done today.

May everyone have a joyous day today without over indulging in the goodies. Happy Thanksgiving