Very nice idea to just make the base and use existing indicator stands to hold the DTI. Had me heading to CAD/CAM to start modeling up a version to make out of some mild steel. As you say, for low volume use it's going to be just fine.
Doesn't the ball end of your indicator have to be precisely in line with your squarness comparator's base nose radius center line to prevent any cosign error? In your video, you show using a mag base (Noga?) with it's offset arm holding the dial test indicator. How do you place the indicator's ball relative to the center line of your nose radius base accurately? Also, does it matter what nose radius you use? I ask this cause I have been using a 1" Ball Bearing placed in the "V" of a Starrett Surface Gage as my base "nose radius". Seems to work, but it is a tighter swing to find highest point.
Hi Mojo. Good to hear you are thinking deeply about this! The way it works is that precise inline position is generated by the sweeping motion of the base curved contact rail contacting the work, and noting the point when the indicator also contacting the work changes direction. At this point the indicator and base nose rad high point are in line. (the work surface must be wide enough to accommodate these positions). Cheers Cliff
Good stuff. Would like to see more on grinding rounded cutters as I have some EM with slightly chipped corners that would nice to be able to reuse as rounded.
