Making of a Dial Indicator Case - COMPLETED!

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Hit your local hardware store for a cheap coping saw?

-DallanC

Irskii · Member Joined: Jul 14, 2005 Posts: 54

Hey Dimitri, Looks good, But I assume, (Yeah I know), that you have access to a mill? You could mount the block and use a small End Mill to clean up the edges for the indicator. I don't know how fancy you want to get but a liner of felt might help a little with shock also. I know around here things tend to get bounced around quite a bit. Keep it up and you may eventually get the the levels of your Dad and Grandfather, All it takes is a little talent and a lot of practice. Good Luck

Tim

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Dallan,

I would but I've been saving my money for more metal working tools I'll need after college when I get a job and lets just say they arnt cheap. Shocked

Irskii,

The edges dont look that smoth in that last picture but they are, slowly carved it out pretty flat, the lighting makes it look like it isnt that stright though. And yes I'm going to line it with felt for the indicator body, going to definatly put some foam for the lever to protect it even more from shock thats why its open so much so the foam fits. Smile

Dimitri

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Well I happen to be around a Walmart today so I stoped by and bought some craft glue (let me tell you none of the glues I had were really that good to glue foam into the wood, and DONT use super glue (one of the many I tried) on foam it solidifies) and I got myself some felt. Let me tell you that Arts and Crafts department isnt somewhere you can stand in for 15 minutes and not get a headagh. Shocked

So now the felt is drying and hopefully this glue will hold, just need to make the top but still havnt found suitable material for it yet. Smile

Dimitri

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Felt has pretty much dried up now. Smile

Here's a picture:

Just need to make the top now Very Happy

Dimitri

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

And its done! Very Happy

The glue on the top felt is drying as I type this. Put hinges, and a latch. Smile

Took a while (about 25 minutes) to carve out that square hole of about 2.5"x2.5" and 0.5" deep. Smile

Dimitri

shrpshtrjoe

Fine Job Dimitri :D. Nothing like the satisfaction ya get from a job ya do yourself Very Happy

Joe

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Yup its nice to be able to make and do stuff I want to. Smile

Dimitri

Bushmaster

A dandy and handy too

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Should keep my dial indicator safe in the shop. Smile

Dimitri

Vince

Well done Dimitri......a masterpiece for sure. Most importantly, it is handmade by yourself and it will keep your dial indicator in good nick.

Who knows mate....it could become an antique family heirloom in days to come.

Cheers, Vince

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Vince,

If one of my kids or grandkids go in the bussince it just might become a family herloom, if they dont I think I'm going to do what my naibour who gave me it did, give it to a starting machinist to help him out. Smile

Dimitri

TomTalker

Looking good Dimitri! Any luck on an apprenticship yet!

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

TomTalker,

Going to go down to London and check out a few places in Febuary to look for one. I want to be able to go down there and ask around in person instead of just mailing resumes out. I think it might add a good personal touch to it. Smile

Dimitri

Irskii · Member Joined: Jul 14, 2005 Posts: 54

Looks great Dimitri. Good Job

Tim