Magnetic Base vs Clamp Base for Holding a Dial Indicator During Runout Checks A dial indicator is only as useful as the base holding it. During a runout check, a base that shifts, vibrates, or slowly creeps can produce a convincing but incorrect reading. The two common choices are a magnetic base and a clamp … Read more
A dial indicator can show whether a table saw blade is parallel to the miter slot, but the reading is only useful if the indicator is mounted securely and the blade is checked at the same point in its rotation. A sloppy setup can make a well-aligned saw look out by several thousandths of an … Read more
On a milling machine, a dial indicator and a test indicator can both help you tram a head, find a vise, or check runout. The setup difference is what matters: a conventional dial indicator has a plunger that moves in and out, while a test indicator has a small lever that moves through an arc. … Read more
Arbor runout is the amount the saw’s arbor or blade mounting surface wobbles as it turns. Too much can contribute to blade vibration, noise, and a rough cut—but a dial indicator reading alone does not prove the arbor is bad. Dirt, a damaged flange, a bent blade, or a poorly seated blade can create similar … Read more
A feeler gauge and a wire gauge can both help with small gaps, but they measure different things. A feeler gauge checks the width of a clearance by inserting a flat blade into it. A wire gauge identifies the diameter of a wire or rod, or—if you use a round wire as a makeshift probe—offers … Read more
A digital caliper can show a crisp, precise-looking number and still be wrong. Before measuring a part, check that the jaws close to zero, repeat the check, and account for any offset you find. This takes less than a minute and can prevent a small setup error from spreading through a batch of parts. What … Read more
A feeler gauge is a simple purchase, but the wrong style can make a small-engine valve adjustment awkward. The key choice is not the biggest blade count or the fanciest handle. It is whether the set has the clearance you need, fits between the valve stem and rocker or tappet, and lets you judge drag … Read more
The Mitutoyo 103-137 and Starrett 436.1 are mechanical outside micrometers for measuring parts up to 1 inch in diameter or thickness. Both use a ratchet-style force control and a carbide-faced anvil and spindle. For routine shop work, either can measure accurately when it is clean, calibrated and used consistently. The choice comes down to price, … Read more
The short answer For checking the thickness of steel stock to ordinary shop tolerances, a digital caliper is usually the better first buy. It measures more kinds of features, is faster to use, and is typically accurate enough for cutting, fitting, and sorting material. A micrometer is the better choice when thickness needs to be … Read more
A 6-inch digital caliper is a practical size for checking router bit shanks, drill bits, screws, washers and other small hardware. For those jobs, the important question is not whether the display has extra features. It is whether the jaws meet cleanly, the reading repeats, and the tool stays reliable around sawdust and shop grime. … Read more