Official Luthiers Forum!

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Tony: I was a machinist in another life many years ago, dont recall using Federal tools. But these dial gauges have a quality look about them. If they are not sticky in their travel then you are in luck.If they are a bit catchy you might look for an old watch repair person,most likely they could help you . Inner workings not complicated,but better looked at by someone with experience. Think these are a nice catch. Good luck.

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I have an old Federal dial indicator. First quality stuff, if they are in good shape. Comparable to Brown & Sharpe, etc.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Tony, my neighbor's been a machinist for years. He says that the old Federal gauges and indicators are golden. Their newer guages sold under the Mahr-Federal label ... not so good.

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Jim Womack

"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for. "
Will Rogers

Federal is top quality! I've used them before. I ran across them in specialty applications..bore indicators and such. Kind of expensive as I remember. Not as ubiquitous as B&S or Starrett but very, very good!
A good way to test for idicator quality is simple, repeatability. Just measure the same work piece repeatably and consistantly as possible and see how well the gage reads. Also check through the range of the indicator/caliper using what's called joe blocks(gauge blocks). These readings tell about backlash built into every geared tool.

Teclock are also good indicators at a much more resonable price. Very good repeatability and gear smoothness/tracking.

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

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