What saw blade aligning dial indicator to get?

My $.02 – buy a good quality dial indicator and build you own jigs. I had the same question a few weeks ago myself. However I already owned a good Starrett indicator from my metal shop so it made my decision easier. With that being said I built a jig I can clamp to my miter and it worked fine. I mounted mine horizontal (face up) so the reference point was closer to the table though. I just couldn’t get excited about spending money on a tool that I would only use occasionally. However a good dial indicator can be used often so I like a good one.

-- Ray - Spokane, WA - “Most people don’t recognize opportunity because it’s usually disguised as hard work.” - Unknown

I would use my dial test indicator rather than a dial indicator.

It is not as versatile of a tool but it is made for that type of measurement.

-- Woodworking shouldn't cost a fortune: http://lowbudgetwoodworker.blogspot.com/

You can buy a inexpensive indicator from Wholesale Tool, Enco, Grizzly or whomever. I’d get one with 1” travel. No need to spend more than $12.95
http://www.wttool.com/index/page/category/category_id/18792/

I set up and repair machines professionally and have some Starretts and have found the cheap inports are just as good and accurate. I buy most of my measuring tools from Wholesale Tool. I was doing it long before those align it gadgets were on the market and you can make all the accessories and fixtures you need. I’m betting their biggest customers are the amatuers who think they need those things to tune up their tools.

-- Few folks really know how to maximize the potential of their tools!

Harbor freight. 10 bucks

Buy a dial indicator with a magnetic base. You will use it for a lot of things besides setting up the table saw. You will not regret having one every time you need one. You can build your own adaptions of the ready made tools. The magnetic base can also be made with the rare earth magnets, but I really like the ease of set up with the store bought magnet and posts for it.

-- Mel

Buy a dial indicator with a magnetic base.

I agree 100%

-- Ken, USAF MSgt, Ret.

+1 on harbor freight.

-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.

The only drawback to using a digital indicator is that it takes batteries – just like a digital pair of calipers – if you can swing a “dial” rather than a digital you will NEVER have to spend money on batteries—I have a pair of digital calipers and it seems like every time I really need to use them I have dead batteries !!! just my two cents worth.

I took the cheap route per the suggestion of Tool & Die associate.
The reasons are:

1. Cost.
2. Frequency of use.
3. Measuring differential

Your cheaper instruments is fully capable of repeating the measurements. So HF will do.
Now, say If you are interest in shaving off 0.01 where high precision & accuracy counts then, I wouldn’t trust the cheap stuff.

-- I'll be a woodworker when I grow up. HHHOPKS

I think analog is easier to use than digital, and it doesn’t need batteries as mentioned above. I’d also vote for one with 1 inch travel so you can use it for other stuff. IMO a HF is good enough for most hobby woodworkers.

-- Joe

i use a homemade jig and a general brand dial indicator that cost me $14.99 at sear hardware and it works great.

yeah, I knew I shoulda just bought that dial indicator when I was at harbor freight, LOL

Gotta drive 60 miles round trip to buy one now. :p

-- If you think it will take a week and cost $100, it will take a month and cost $400.

Good place to save some money, you will not use a cheap one enough to wear it out. A Starrett is great if you work in a production setting, if you are reaching for the indicator 3 times a day. But the one from Harbor freight is 98 percent as accurate, and will outlast you. Unless you drop it.

The fixture is easy, if you build your own, you may even learn a little about jigs along the way. And there are other things you can do with it- I figured out my DP table was off a bit, using a dial indicator. Get the magnet base- it isn’t that much more money, and is also very useful.

-- Dan V. in Indy

This will suit your needs just fine for $30 plus shipping … http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=1782

The following photo shows how I configured and used it for my own TS blade-to-miter slot alignment. The included magnetic base is surprisingly powerful … the base/rod/indicator assembly does not move when the magnetic base is placed on the vertical face of my miter gage so the fore/aft blade tip measurements are accurate.

Tom

-- Tom

You might want to take a look at these guys. I liked what I got from them and I think they are reasonably priced.http://www.in-lineindustries.com/alineit.basic.html

-- Randy