Dial Indicator, DICR-0105 0-1 inch

Twenty years ago, when I had a complete wood shop with serious machines, I always used a dial gauge to set jointer and planer knives, table saw blade alignment, precision fence movements, etc. As I remember the least expensive choice with a reliable reputation cost me over $100 then. It had three or four fiddly thumb screws which were hard to tighten and often came loose in the midst of measurements.Now retired, I have a more modest shop with tools which are also largely retired. My $400 16 speed drill press, snabbed for $75 in a dusty garage sale, is very sturdy with ample power to shake its 60" frame. But the bit run-out is visible even to my naked eye - almost enough to risk sloppy dowels after boring with a sharp Forstner bit. Time to check alignment.Last night I ordered the Clockwise Tools Dial Indicator with magnetic base. (I bought the analog face because I find it easier than flashing numbers for detecting variation) As soon as it arrived I stripped the wood working face off my drill press table and plopped down the Clockwise Dial base with a satisfying CLUNK!. Swivel the magnet switch a 1/4 turn and with a chain hoist i could have lifted the drill press off the floor. Wow! No wobble or wander here. A single knob let me swing and set the articulated arm immediately - forget wrestling three simultaneously loose segments.So five minutes after tearing open the package I took measurements looking for round (ie. zero variance on rotation) on the drill press arbor above the chuck; -.001 to +.001 inch is OK by me. Then I checked the machined top of the chuck where it holds the tapered adapter; +- .001 inch again. Last I secured a high quality 7/16" twist drill, the thickest reliably round rod stock I have, and repeated the measurement on the drill bit just below the chuck. After zeroing the dial (not necessary - any reference point will do since only variation matters), as I slowly rotated the drill head my dial practically yelled at me: - .008 to + .012 inches. That is not OK with me.So with a two finger twist to release the magnet, I moved my now treasured Clockwise Tools Dial Indicator over to the table saw ... and stopped for supper. Later I ordered a new chuck with the appropriate MT2 adapter. I look forward to round holes.

The large knob tightens both ends simultaneously. This makes it more convenient than a separate knob for each. A small knob allows the perpendicular to be fine tuned. A nice feature. Be careful not to mistake this small knob for the other small knob. This knob is not meant to be tighten and could be damaged if overturned. Instructions could be more clear on this. I found the magnet adequate.

Firstly, as usual, the product arrived fast and in good condition. The plastic case is exactly what you'd expect at the price. It'll keep the unit safe and clean, but it's not ultra strong or particularly good looking.The product looks great, the markings are clear and the dial rotates well, but sticks a little so you don't have to worry about knocking it and having it move during use. There's a spare backpiece in the plastic case with a piece that you can use to bolt the device to things.I've used the device to calibrate my table saw blade to both the table saw and fence. It worked perfectly.I prefer analog measurement devices over digital, as I find I'll only use this kind of thing once or twice a year, and don't want to worry about dead batteries. Would by again without hesitation.

I’m a machinist, and I bought this indicator and stand to replace an old mag base with not enough pull after it fell into the chips and wrecked the indicator.When I unpacked it, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the indicator and stand came in a hard shell plastic case. (My experience with similar products is they get packed in a cheap cardboard box with styrofoam.)The base itself does hold nicely, and the locking mechanism works as advertised: quite stable, and setups are fast and easy compared to traditional indicator bases. The action of the arms when unlocked is slightly less smooth than my (much more expensive) Noga base, and I would have liked a fine adjustment screw, but I am happy with it for the price.The indicator itself is decent enough, smooth action, accurate enough for what I do, and was easy to read.I plan on using them as everyday type tool for setups in fairly grimy conditions, and as far as I can tell it’s just right for my purposes.Edited to add: there is actually a fine adjustment for the mag base, but on the end of the arm as part of the clamp. I tried it out and I didn’t like the design of that feature: using the knob tended to push the arm away from where I positioned it and it had a less than ideal movement when I didn’t bump it. Over all I wouldn’t change my rating, though-I don’t 100% need a fine adjuster anyway.

I can see why this dial indicator with base is both an Amazon best seller andand receives great reviews, which was the basis for my purchase.The magnetic base is solid and the one knob to lock the articulated armmakes setup fairly easy.I'm also pleased with the indicator itself and I appreciate the included die casesecondary back with mounting tab that allows for additional mounting optionswhen not using the arm.I think that what distinguishes the Clockwise Tools offering the mostis their outstanding customer support.I had an issue, due to my own negligence, while using the indicator.As such, I contacted Clockwise via Amazon on a Saturday afternoon to inquireif they could assist in resolving the problem. I received a reply from Vickwithin an hour. I stress that this was on a Saturday afternoon.A couple of text exchanges later the issue was resolved and by thenext afternoon, Sunday, I received the necessary part.This was within 22 hours of when I first contacted Clockwise!Absolutely the best customer support I've ever received for a productI've purchased on Amazon.