I was wondering if anyone has come across the Chinese clone of a Trav-a-dial. Though I have never used one, this gaget seems like a useful addition to my large Monarch lathe. I have toyed with the idea of mounting a long stoke indicator on the carriage in such a way that I could adjust the range depending on how far from the chuck I am working. Has anyone else done this?
Stan
I do not know who made them but I have seen systems on Bridgeports that used a dial indicator with precision spacer rods which resembled micrometer standards. The spacer rods laid in a track groove and were used singly or in groups as needed.
Don Young
You can usually buy a used REAL Trav-a-dial on eBay in the $100 range.
There are a couple up there right now ( 2 in the $200 range, 1 in the $100 range) all look very nice...
I buy a used AMERICAN MADE real deal before I'd buy a Chinese clone any day.
As a matter of fact I did... got a good used one for $100 with the spring mount several months back. Have it mounted on my Clausing 5914 and man is it sweet... Beats a 4 inch dial on stick all to hell...
FWIW to those who remember me complaining about .008 error in an inch... after checking the mount one more time I found I was tilted left to right about .012 . I took out that error (counter sunk the right mount hole a bit more) and got the left/right to about .001 and did a recal... I have it down to about .0005 error in 4 inchs now and that's plenty good for me... :-)
--.- Dave
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required