Dial indicator, do I need to have one?

[Ken_NJ]

I'm gearing up lathe accessories, so forgive my many questions. Have a Micro-Mark 7x14 lathe. I have the stock three jaw chuck. Working mainly with brass aluminum & plastics. I build radio control model boats. I can think of one future project that I might need one. Otherwise not sure if what I do will require one. Probably good to have one on hand.

IF I WERE TO GET ONE, I was looking at a lesser expensive Noga holder. Should I consider other holders? Up in the air about the dial gauge. Would something like this one be OK for me?

Dial Indicator link

I'm learning!!

 

[cross thread]

IMO you need both when I'm doing machine work I can't live with out them . Dial & test , the Noga is very good . I would make a holder to fit on the lathe bed to measure the travel .
<iframe width="900" height="506" src="

" title="Making a Lathe Ways Dial Indicator Holder" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Ken_NJ]

I did watch a video on how to make one, but I don't have a milling machine. Being a woodworker, thought I might make one out of a hardwood material.

 

[Tipton1965]

I did watch a video on how to make one, but I don't have a milling machine. Being a woodworker, thought I might make one out of a hardwood material.

You could use a dial indicator with a magnet base. I have one and use it all the time. You can stick the thing anywhere on your lathe within seconds.

 

[NCjeeper]

You could use a dial indicator with a magnet base. I have one and use it all the time. You can stick the thing anywhere on your lathe within seconds.

What Tipton said.

 

[cross thread]

A piece of tooling to think about , a milling attachment .

Milling Attachment, C6 Lathe 2894

10x22, 11x30 Lathe (C6/C8) Accessories 2894 Milling attachment for 10x21 lathe; Fits SIEG C6 class of lathes; Includes mounting bracket; Graduated in ...

littlemachineshop.com

 

[Ken_NJ]

That is on my list of things to eventually add to my collection.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

I have been watching a bunch of videos from Afghanistan and the middle east.
I doubt that they know what a dial indicator is, yet they produce things of necessity without the luxury.
They often use a pointer in close proximity to the work to true things up in a 4 jaw chuck.
Since you have a 3 jaw chuck, the pointer can be used to compare relative runout, but short of rotating the work in the chuck or the use of a bump tool to reduce runout, there is little you can do to adjust runout.
This is not a big deal usually, as soon as you cut the work, it becomes a cylindrical feature that runs true to the spindle axis

 

[markba633csi]

I have had good luck buying used measuring tools on Ebay, so far.
I prefer Swiss made stuff when I can get it for a good price. Alina is a good brand

 

[Parlo]

If you decide to get a lever indicator then make sure it has a pivoting spigot. Having this feature makes it so much easier to use and allows you to perform all your lathe indicating without any extra equipment.