Flycutter arrived

Is a "drop" indicator the type that measures linear distance (what I would call a "plunge" indicator)? If so, use the test indicator. While a plunge can be used, the DTI is the standard tool for sweeping the table, and squaring the vice.
I'd recommend using 1-2-3 blocks for sweeping the table. You can use the table surface, but it's much faster to use the blocks as you don't have to worry about smashing the needle into each t-slot.
HTH.
Regards,
Robin

I've always preferred a DTI, which is generally easier to mount. No problem using anything that measures well as long as you can mount it without trouble. The one advantage the DTI offers is you can make a setup such that the indicator always trails off, assuming you spin the spindle in the proper direction. Because the spindle of long travel type indicators is fixed at a right angle, that's not possible.
Setting up as I described prevents "stubbing" of the contact when it goes across the T slots. Try to avoid a setup where the indicator moves around the circle sideways, but if you must mount it that way, preload the indicator only enough for a reading. The more the tip has to move when it crosses slots the worse it will respond to them. You likely know that you should turn the spindle by hand only, never under power, and turn it slowly as it goes across the T slots, so you don't disturb the setup, or damage the indicator.
Robin made a reasonable suggestion, although I don't like dialing across anything but the table. It's too easy to find something under the parallel, such as a minor ding in the table. You work yourself to death, only to find that the work you've done is not proper. Especially when dialing in a column that is not adjustable, I'd strongly recommend you use the table surface, nothing else. That way you know you're not working to defects. If you prefer to follow Robin's suggestion, follow what I have to say below:
If you're familiar with draw filing, it's not a bad idea to lightly touch the surface of the table with a single cut file, slightly used. New ones tend to be too sharp and take metal off where you don't want it removed. A file without a handle works great-----just place it on the mill table and drag it towards you somewhat sideways with light palm pressure. The only thing that will get cut is anything standing above the table surface. Repeat until the file glides over the table without drag. If there's dings in the table when you start, you'll feel them--and the feel will be different when they're gone. Be certain that the file doesn't remove any metal aside from dings that stand up. If you find signs of metal removal, use a different file, or flip over the one in use. Often they will be somewhat bowed and cut on the edges. It's desirable for the entire file to make contact, so it doesn't cut well. That's the whole idea. Do the draw filing thing occasionally to keep the table surface in good repair, and always when you check the table with an indicator.
One thing you can do to ascertain if your table is free of dings, or not, is to wipe it down well with a clean rag or paper towel, then wipe the surface with your palm. The slightest dimple will be felt as roughness. Apply the file as suggested when you find anything like that.
I'm not familiar with the Baker, but if it works for you-----go with it! :-)
Harold

Harold,
I thought you were going to say something like that, but wanted to check after finding a nice description of tramming that used a drop indicator.
Dumb question: the tip on a DTI is friction fit such that one moves it to full deflection and keeps pressing?? I was told to do that, and it works, but it bugs me to apply "large" forces to a precision instrument, especially while at the end of its travel. Is there a better way to move it?
Understood.
In one setup, I recognized that I would have parts instead of an indicator if I had hit the power switch; I didn't do it, but it would have been easy to destroy it. Then I came very close to snagging it on a clamp. Shortly after that I bought the Baker, just in case ~:0
I saw Robin's post (thanks!!), but share your concern about a stray chip or something causing trouble. I do not yet have 1-2-3 blocks, but I do have some inexpensive but very nice v-blocks that probably would work. I will probably start with the bare table and try the blocks if I have trouble.
I have this in mind for "later". There are a few dings on my table (they were there when it arrived), but nothing terrible, and to the side so they do not interefere with where I usually mount my vise. I have done setups spanning that area, but have been able to avoid them.
Another factor is that I do not trust my current file for this. I need to get one that is more appropriate and then age it some.
Thanks!
Bill

snip---- Not with any of the models I've used. While it may appear harsh, it doesn't seem to do them any harm. I've been using my two B&S BestTest indicators for years, likely since you was just a kid- :-) -------and the only problem I've had with either of them is a crystal that has come loose from age. For lack of a different opinion, I'd suggest they're intended to be used that way.
Truth be known, using almost anything, including the nice little round block that I made years ago, when I had access to heat treat and grinding-----is nothing short of a PITA. The block in question has a short, flat area, than has a gentle taper on the edges, accompanied with a nice radius, so the contact glides easily without stubbing. Takes more time screwing around with it than it does contacting the table, even when I mount the indicator so it approaches the slots from the side instead of trailing off as I suggested. When it comes down to the 1-2-3 blocks, I don't really see any advantage----the indicator still has to climb and drop off edges----although you do gain the benefit of bridging the center of the table (the T slot), where you might desire your reading. I simply move over enough so the spindle CL is on one edge or the other. Works for me, and has for years.
Even being careful, it's hard to avoid the minor dings in tables. A dropped parallel, a chip getting caught under a vise, even when you're exercised great care-----it happens. Unlike many, I rely on air for moving chips off my machine. That doesn't work well when you're set up in your house, but I've always had the luxury of a dedicated shop. Those of us that have worked in commercial shops do that pretty much routinely. Air was always on machines in any job I held, and certainly has been on my machines as long as I've owned them. You have to exercise some caution, and it's messy, blowing things where you'd prefer they not go, but it really helps in keeping things clean where it matters. My favorite method has always been to blow or wipe things off, then do the palm feel thing---it's a very good way to know that the table is clean of anomolies.
Again, my pleasure. Hope some of my ramblings are helpful.
Harold

Harold,
Thanks for the confirmation.
I will start that way and look for another approach if it gets ugly. With a small enough preload and the tip "in tow", I suspect it will work fine.
I was taught to use air, but recently read that it is a bad idea because it can blow chips where they can damage the machine. It makes sense, though the machines I cleaned that way are still in use and appear no worse for the experience - and they were being cleaned with air long before I got to them. In my case, I have a Ridgid shop vac that probably dims _your_ lights when I turn it on :) It does a nice job of getting chips out of my way.
Always!
Bill

snip-- Yep! Machine shops use air. Lots of it! Most machinists are wise enough to avoid blowing chips into wipers and places where they can do damage. In all my years in the shop, I saw only one machine that had any chips doing damage, those on the saddle of a mill. It's pretty obvious that the builders expect that users aren't a bunch of morons and will apply an air hose with good judgment, so they're built accordingly.
In all honesty, the only time I hated air around was when I worked as a precision grinder. You rely on your ears for almost everything when grinding, so if air hoses are going off constantly, and they were, it's hard to hear how the work is behaving. Probably made a better grinder of me, though!
Harold

That's the "LAST WORD" kind of indicator, eh Harold?
I seem to recall you had a special place in your, eh, heart was it? for that brand of indicator.
On your suggestion I purchased a bestest and you were right, it was a much more sensitive instrument, by nearly a factor of ten or so.
The one thing I did *not* like about it was the case - the starrette 711 really does come with a very handy case, so all the bits and pieces don't rattle around inside. The B&S one came with very handy accessories, but you really can't put them in the case with the indicator itself for fear of damaging it.
Did B&S ever sell (or do they now) a better case to go with their stuff?
Jim

Hey, wait a minute. I have two Last Words. And that's my *new* stuff.
-- Ed Huntress

OK, harold *is* a cranky geezer (tm). [1] He has definite peculiarities.
Some make sense, some don't.
However the B&S bestest really, honestly does give ten full size divisions for every one that shows on the last word. For some stuff (like dialing in the vise on my milling machine, where the jaws are bowed enough that even the last word reads a half thou high on one side, right on in the middle, and again a half thou high at the other side, it really doesn't matter.
But for setups where one only has a bit of room to indicate, or it really needs to be set up back to where it was, better than a thou, the extra sensitivity really is nice.
Now if they could just figure out the case thing....
[1] Right, be fair here. What poster doesn't fit the cranky geezer profile at this point. I think it's inherent in the ng title.....

Chuckle!
Yep, of all the tools every marketed by Starrett, they owe an apology to all of us for that sucker.
Mind you, when new, they often are not all that bad, but mine has had problems time and again, and has been sent back to them at least once. By sharp contrast, the B&S's have yielded FLAWLESS service.
Yep! Mind you, I'm happy you found that to be the case. I don't like to recommend things when they aren't supported by my claims. .
My God, did they take advice from Sears and start cutting corners there?
I've owned my two for so many years I don't recall even when I bought them, but one of them came in a very nice covered box, much like the one my Last Word came in, with slots for all the accessories. The other, likewise, came with a box, but a wooden one, with slots for all the accessories. It was top notch stuff in my estimation. What the hell did they do with yours, wrap it in wax paper and place it in an old match box?
Harold

We're all very sorry for you, Ed.
Harold

That's because you aren't using the dressing stick properly. Like the indicator, you'll come to see that I'm right.
Watch that bullshit, there, Jim. I won't be denied the title I've worked so hard to acquire. I consider myself the original cranky geezer, and should rightly be granted the TM. :-)
Harold

Basically. The accessories came in a plastic ziplock bag, and the indicator and one straight lathe toolpost shank came in an injection molded plastic case, hinged lid. I'll have to haunt ebay to see what the real case is supposed to look like - or maybe get an empty starrett case to put it in!
Jim

I wouldn't claim that the Last Word is a *good* solution. I said it's the one I have.
And it's hardly the only example of the old, well-preserved junk that's the basis of my machining hobby. Now, about getting some time for the hobby...
BTW, I think that being a cranky old geezer is part of the whole old-time machining weltenschaung. It's part of the appeal. d8-)
-- Ed Huntress

I plan to run a museum in my retirement.
-- Ed Huntress

There's a lotta cranky geezers here.... you might possibly rate #2 in line, the first going to robert bastow most likely. In my mind at least that is justified by the single-minded dedication you showed after your wife's ebay glass purchase event. What ever did happen after all the dust settled on that, anyway? Is that seller still in business?
This on top of the 'right way, wrong way, and *Harold's* way' attention to shop details! :^)
Jim

LOL. I always thought the color case hardening on the starrett 711s was pretty class though.
You should check out the practical machinist board, there's a huge thread going on about just that topic: setting up and running a museum. The guy who's set up the Todd Engine outfit is giving some very interesting comments too.
Jim

Oh, yeah, I have *lots* of time to check out another board.
Besides, learning to be a crusty, old-time machinist/curmudgeon is a solitary activity. Normally it requires decades of working in a dimly lighted machine shop and sniffing sulfur oil while cutting your fingers from time to time on sharp chips and lathe bits that you didn't remember were still in the toolpost.
I have to compress it by working at being anti-social at home and work. It's a full-time job in itself.
-- Ed Huntress

On the other hand, Jim, the Starrett rules are heads and shoulders above the B&S.
When I want to measure anything longer than 6" with my B&S rule, I have to make a scratch on the work at the end point of the rule, move the rule to that point, and then read it. And if the workpiece is, say, 15" long, I have to do it again! I hate to put those scratches in the work, and I do think that the accuracy may suffer by it. My Starrett rule is a full 18" long, so I can measure more pieces without moving the rule! Wasn't that a good idea!
B&S for indicators, Starrett for rules.
John Martin