Dial Indicator - Rebuilding R380 & LT230

**specwarop** · 27th August 2009, 10:39 PM

Gday,

Just need to buy a dial test indicator to check the preloads in the R380 and LT230 that I am rebuilding.
Just wondering what size I will need, as in what Dial Graduations and the maximum travel size?
Also, any preferred suppliers?

Regards,

**langy** · 28th August 2009, 01:20 AM

If you have a look at this link

Chris Mills Performance - Allstar Dial Gauge with Magnetic Base

it will show a DTI similar to the one I have, although I only paid $50 ish from those tool stalls you see at markets. It's in metric, and works fine to set backlash on diffs - I installed two trutracks myself and they're nice and quiet ( a miracle !). Very handy for checking end float for gearboxes and run out on flywheels and rotors. Believe it or not, a set of brass fish scales does the preload duties, although I do have a dial torque meter ( 2nd hand from the US) for timing belt tension. As one can imagine, you don't need something hyper accurate, 0.01mm will do, and the range is usually 25mm. Try 2nd hand first, ebay /pawn shops and the like - it'll give you an idea on what the current prices are.

**Bigbjorn** · 28th August 2009, 07:49 AM

I used to import and sell them for $45 when the exchange rate was a lot less friendly. This should give you some idea of what new price should be. Used to sell mag. bases for $40.

I don't stock either any more. Too slow moving, and I could not buy well enough to gain a price advantage over other dealers.

**specwarop** · 28th August 2009, 07:07 PM

Been searching the net and all I can find is a metric one with a range of 10mm. I can find an imperial one that has a range of 1" which is what I need - but I refuse to work in imperial, **** that!
Why would they make a imperial to 1" but not a metric?

**Bigbjorn** · 28th August 2009, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by specwarop

Been searching the net and all I can find is a metric one with a range of 10mm. I can find an imperial one that has a range of 1" which is what I need - but I refuse to work in imperial, **** that!
Why would they make a imperial to 1" but not a metric?

Clocks are made in a wide range of dial size, travel, and graduation. Look at Mercer, Mitutoyo, Starret, Brown & Sharpe web sites. these are top shelf and expensive but will give you an idea of what is available. The Chinese ones I used to sell had a choice of travel from 1/4" to 2" and graduation choice of .001", .0001", 0005". Starret list metric models with travel range of 10, 20 , 50, 100 mm, and graduations of .01mm or .002, or .001 mm. The fine graduation metric ones tend to be expensive no matter who makes them.

What is your hang up with inch measure? A fitter should be able to work in either or both. Metric is a PIA, particularly metric threads. Get an inch measure gauge and learn to work with precision measuring tools. 0.001" is pretty much identical with .025 mm. Buy a calculator.

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