On Sat, 14 Feb 2004 23:26:29 GMT,
,"C harlie Gary"
said:

"Gunner" wrote in message
.. .
A probably really stupid question about dial test indicators.

I stumbled across a minty Lufkin LARGE dial, dial test indicator
(.0001) for $5 the other day. Crystal is good, everything moves
smoothly..but the "pointer" was missing. A customer gave me one that
screws in just fine..but here is the question...and Im blushing to
ask..

How long are the pointers supposed to be? Perhaps Ive had a stroke
or its a case of brain fade..but doesnt the length of the pointer make
a difference as to the actual measurement displayed on the dial?

Length of lever and all that stuff.

Gunner

"To be civilized is to restrain the ability to commit mayhem.
To be incapable of committing mayhem is not the mark of the civilized,
merely the domesticated." - Trefor Thomas

Yes, it matters if you have to measure in specific units. If all you want
to check is straightness or concentricity, any needle of the right thread
size should work, but if it has to be an accurate number, it needs to be the
correct length stem for the indicator.

Agreed. For comparison use it doesn't matter.
I try to avoid taking readings from the DTI face if at all possible.
Work to zero and take the reading from the height gauge/machine
readout. If you must read from the dial keep the stylus arm as
straight to the indicator body as you can to avoid cosine error.
More angle=more error.

Cigi.

--
Give Peas a Chance