Shopsmith Forums

555884 Dial Indicator Set-Up Gauge has just gone on quick sale. I have seen it discussed several times in discussions about setup and accuracy.

I am looking for somewhat definitive opinion from the masters on this: is what you get from using the dial indicator to align the system worth the expense, or are there other less costly means for obtaining the desired alignments?

Thanks, Mike

tryinhard wrote:555884 Dial Indicator Set-Up Gauge has just gone on quick sale. I have seen it discussed several times in discussions about setup and accuracy.

I am looking for somewhat definitive opinion from the masters on this: is what you get from using the dial indicator to align the system worth the expense, or are there other less costly means for obtaining the desired alignments?

Thanks, Mike

I still use the miter gauge, allen wrench and feeler gauge for some alignments.
I use the digital angle gauge now for other alignments.

I believe you should use whatever you find that works for you. If you are having alignment problems, then try a different method until you find one that works for you. I am from the "close counts" school so you may want to try a more precise method than I use.

I'm not one of the masters but I still have an opinion on this.

If everyone would check in on this question, you would get every answer imaginable.

Do you need to acquire a dial gauge in order to get your Mark V setup for accurate wood working? ABSOLUTELY NOT! It can all be done with a simple square, miter gauge and allen wrench.

BUT, I have now used the dial indicator and I would not voluntarily do without it.

Are my alignments more accurate when I use the dial indicator? NO, I don't believe so. The degree of accuracy that one achieves is a function of how carefully one does the alignment and not of what equipment was used.

This discussion also leads back to the question "Just how accurate do you need to be to do your wood working well"? Only you can answer that.

What do you want your miter joints to look like?

I agree that a dial indicator is not required to do accurate alignment but it does make the job easier and faster. Since you set up the indicator in contact with your reference point you can see what you have to do to correct the alignment without using feeler gauges etc.

tdubnik wrote:I agree that a dial indicator is not required to do accurate alignment but it does make the job easier and faster. Since you set up the indicator in contact with your reference point you can see what you have to do to correct the alignment without using feeler gauges etc.

I'm not going to follow the flow (I don't think) but I can see this thread leading to a discussion of "accuracy to the thousandths".

I have to agree with Dusty 100%. I do have one and use it. I like it because it is easier for me to see that actually deflection on the meter. My eyes are not that good and the dial is helpful for me.

I'm mostly a "touchy-feely guy" when it comes to set ups and wood sizes, using sticks and set-up blocks rather than measuring devices.

I used to use the miter gauge with the long Allen wrench through the holes. I just listened to the screech the wrench made across the inner reaches of the saw blade. Since the Shopsmith dial indicator (with it's miter slot bar) came along, I now use that on the teeth of the blade - as recommended.

This is a very good system, and surpasses the old "screech" system. Can't say that I'm paying too much attention to the actual measurements on the indicator dial, however. Too hard for me to decipher the actual measurements. I just look for not much movement of the dial. More than a few little marks is too much.

Must admit, the screeching method is quicker, but can't help but feel the dial indicator is better. (makes me feel more like a professional) Glad I bought the dial indicator!

All that said - really can't tell the difference in the squareness of cuts, or the quality of the ripped edges.

If you have watched the online demo on setting planer knives in Saw Dust Sesson #20, Nick Engler uses a dial guage and a magnetic stand to precisely check or set the 3 planner knives. I found the same magnetic stand on sale today at Harbor Freight for $8.99. I also found a dial guage that attaches to the stand (just like in the video) on sale for $9.99.

The dial gauge doesn't come with different tips like the Shopsmith one, but for the price I can make a small hard wood block for the tip with the drill press and bandsaw -- or flatten the end with the sanding disk. I did compare the Harbor Freight dial indicator with the one that comes with the expensive Woodpecker miter guage set up ($100) and it is the same dial indicator!

I am careful about stuff made in China. I don't eat it or feed it to my dog but sometimes you can find decent items.

jmilligan wrote:If you have watched the online demo on setting planer knives in Saw Dust Sesson #20, Nick Engler uses a dial guage and a magnetic stand to precisely check or set the 3 planner knives. I found the same magnetic stand on sale today at Harbor Freight for $8.99. I also found a dial guage that attaches to the stand (just like in the video) on sale for $9.99.

The dial gauge doesn't come with different tips like the Shopsmith one, but for the price I can make a small hard wood block for the tip with the drill press and bandsaw -- or flatten the end with the sanding disk. I did compare the Harbor Freight dial indicator with the one that comes with the expensive Woodpecker miter guage set up ($100) and it is the same dial indicator!

I am careful about stuff made in China. I don't eat it or feed it to my dog but sometimes you can find decent items.

I doubt the indicator is the same. Similar with similar description perhaps but is a mercedes the same as a yugo? They are both passenger cars. They both have(had) internal combustion engines. They both have 4 wheels(tires on the ground). . . .