Replies

1. 
   rslatm | Jul 31, 2003 09:11pm | #1

   I usually get indicators, calipers from http://www.use-enco.com  They have a good selection and the $15 ones are more than adequate for woodworking and they have pretty good sale prices.  You can make up your fixtures for most part but if you get a magnetic base, get the the flexible arm type... # 625-0350. 
2. 
   DonaldCBrown | Jul 31, 2003 09:19pm | #2

   Highland Hardware (http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/) sells a dial caliper that reads in 64th-inch increments if you don't like thousandths of an inch or metric.

3. 
   lwilliams | Jul 31, 2003 10:07pm | #3

   A cheap import indicator is fine for tuning woodworking tools. You'll want a good base and the "fine adjustment" feature in most of the cheaper bases is just a weak point that will allow too much flex.

   For aligning a tablesaw to the miter gauge slot, I've just mounted the indicator on a piece of ply with a runner for the slot on the bottom. You'll also want to check for any change of alignment during tilting of the blade. Just a good accurate square is fine for checking 90º and the face of the fence. Adjust the fence for parallel to the plane of the blade with the same set up as checking blade alignment with the miter gauge slot. I go for dead parallel when setting the fence to the slot and blade, I think setting the back of the fence away from the blade is a mistake that can lead to kick back.

   Enco, MSC and other industrial suppliers sell dial indicators with a base in the $30 to $50 range. Get one with 1" of travel that reads in .001" increments and try to find a base without the "fine adjustment" feature. If you end up with the fine adjustment model, just insert the bar all the way and mount the indicator on the side of the main post that's away from the problematic and weak adjustment.

4. 
   nigelUsa | Aug 01, 2003 05:01am | #4

   Picked up a nice unit from sears with magnetic base. works great.

5. 
   BG | Aug 01, 2003 12:26pm | #5

   Ben,

   You can get one for free when you buy a Grizzly table saw..I'd suggest you go that way....lol.

1. 
   ~~BenM | Aug 01, 2003 02:51pm | #6

   Thanks to everyone for the good info.  I appreciate it.

   Ben