Dial indicator recommendations?

[1nfinity]

I'd like to purchase either 1) a dial indicator, or 2) a dial test indicator, with a magnetic base for checking lathe and drillpress runout.
Any recommendations as to a model/supplier and if one needs to purchase a higher-priced indicator (Starrett, Interapid) and base, or will a cheaper model suffice for basic runout characterization [?]
My experience with indicators is basically nil, so I don't know if one of the following low-cost versions will be worthwhile or merely a roll of the dice:
http://www.toolking.com/altraco_mi-103.aspx
http://www.toolking.com/altraco_mib-10.aspx
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyId=1666
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2925&category=

Thanks for any insights.

 

[johnnycnc]

Terry,
The dial indicator will do what you want to do just fine.
The inexpensive ones work fine and if you dump it in the floor like my friend,
it is less than 10 bucks for a new dial indicator.
A test indicator is overkill,and a 180.00 Interapid
would just be cause to cry if knocked in the floor.[]
I would go for this alternative set from LMS;
http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=1782&category=1310310429
it looks like the best pkg price,and you get some tips
to boot.

 

[jcollazo]

I've got the 1782 from Little Machine Shop and it works great on the lathe, drill press and tablesaw.

 

[JeffinWIS]

Terry, IMHO, a "test indicator" works better for checking small runouts, etc. If you care to spend the money, a Starrett #709, or Interapid #312 is hard to beat. With care they should last 25 years. Maybe not necessary in a home shop, but being a machinist for 30+ years, I'm cursed

 

[Paul in OKC]

Originally posted by JeffinWIS

Terry, IMHO, a "test indicator" works better for checking small runouts, etc. If you care to spend the money, a Starrett #709, or Interapid #312 is hard to beat. With care they should last 25 years. Maybe not necessary in a home shop, but being a machinist for 30+ years, I'm cursed

Well, I'm with ya on that. (Been there a bit over 30 yrs myself) I have one Starrett test indicator and do like it, but I also have a couple of cheapies that do just fine for most things. (I do use the Starrett to sweep in the head of a mill or true up the 4th axis on the machining center!)
I would opt for the option given by johnnycnc myself. Should be plenty good for most all home shop things.

 

[constamj]

I bought one from grizzly. It came with the base, indicator, and various arms to attach it. Works like a charm. Not perfect... but works for me.

 

[stevers]

Originally posted by constamj

I bought one from grizzly. It came with the base, indicator, and various arms to attach it. Works like a charm. Not perfect... but works for me.

Ditto, works great. Measures to the thousandth. What else do you need. I don't build mirrors for the Hubble space telescope.[8D]