DTI Stand – Single Lock Type?

[Martin ConnellyParticipant @martinconnelly55370]

I would wait until you have the new unit to find out if you need one or not. I tend to set the arm on mine to about mid point of the dti travel then set zero with the bezel.

Martin C

[Ron LadenParticipant @ronladen17547]

Not long after I started out with funds at the time in short supply I paid £15 for the one pictured, the price included the test indicator. Thinking if it was half decent I could get by with it until I could afford better, well I have probably been lucky but I cant fault it. The big surprise is how good the test indicator is, I tested it against my more expensive dial gauge and it is good throughout its range. It has no stickiness, very smooth and always returns to exactly the same position which cant be a bad sign.

The magnetic base is fine with a good pull on the magnets and the central locking is good and secure and the swivel joints look to be well made with nothing feeling fragile about them. So if it continues to perform as it is then I dont feel the need to spend a lot more on something that wont offer anything more.

As mentioned I was probably lucky in getting a really good one.

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Ron's indicator and mag base now £13-79 delivered, such a good buy.

Emgee

[Oily RagParticipant @oilyrag]

Here's my £2.50 bargain:-

 

No manufacturer information on the box just the part ref. NF 2020 (probably the year it is expected to last too – but still going strong)

And here is the 'correction' I had to do to get it to stop rocking:-

I really don't know how they can do it for the money. Cost of the materials must be more than I paid for it.

Martin

Edit: the Mercer 0.0001" per division clock was NOT included!!!

Edited By Oily Rag on 08/01/2021 12:54:13

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Thanks all.

I know there are bargains out there, but it seems the luck of the draw whether they're any good. I'd rather just get something that I know will be good to go from the start.

So to Martin's point – the Noga fine adjusters can be bought and added later?

[clivelParticipant @clivel]

I bought a Noga some years ago – it has given sterling service right out of the box, still silky smooth the price is long since forgotten.

I was fortunate though, my local supplier just happened to have them on sale the day I went in to look for a DTI stand.

Clive

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Posted by Dr_GMJN on 08/01/2021 15:13:09:

Thanks all.

I know there are bargains out there, but it seems the luck of the draw whether they're any good. I'd rather just get something that I know will be good to go from the start.

So to Martin's point – the Noga fine adjusters can be bought and added later?

You are better off without the fine adjustment. It is just one more potential point of flex or movement in the train. If you want maximum accuracy leave it out. The moveable bezel on the dial gauge is your fine adjustment without adding to the flexibility of the holder.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Posted by Hopper on 09/01/2021 00:19:44:

Posted by Dr_GMJN on 08/01/2021 15:13:09:

Thanks all.

I know there are bargains out there, but it seems the luck of the draw whether they're any good. I'd rather just get something that I know will be good to go from the start.

So to Martin's point – the Noga fine adjusters can be bought and added later?

You are better off without the fine adjustment. It is just one more potential point of flex or movement in the train. If you want maximum accuracy leave it out. The moveable bezel on the dial gauge is your fine adjustment without adding to the flexibility of the holder.

Agreed, but that’s assuming the arm it rigid enough to not be disturbed by turning the dial. I’ve got a cheap stand where turning the dial to zero is pretty much trial and error. If the arm Itself isn’t rigid, I’d think an adjustment at the base (eliminating touching the dial or arm) would be best.

Im assuming that with the Noga arm and base that this is a non-issue.

[JezParticipant @jez]

Posted by Dr_GMJN on 08/01/2021 09:30:43:

Does anyone have any thoughts on the best fine adjustment position?

The adjuster on the base would seem to possibly reduce stiffness a bit, just where you don't want it (suppose it depends on the method of adjustment), and when using the type with an adjuster on the DTI holder, you can sometimes affect the reading when you touch the adjuster.

I'm not sure if the Noga designs are stiff enough such that neither of these are particular issues?

Bottom. All day long. Used both – bottom wins hands down…

[Mike PooleParticipant @mikepoole82104]

I treated myself to a Noga and it is a nice tool. Stefan Gotteswinter did an interesting item on rigidity and produced a very solid stand.

https://youtu.be/37TLOf3GWwM

Mike

Edited By Mike Poole on 09/01/2021 19:24:58

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Just to complete the thread – I decided on the Noga FA1120, with base adjustment:

It's as I'd hoped (and expected for the price) – Just the right size, rock solid, and the clamp and adjuster are very effective and smooth to use.

Thanks all.

[Darren ConwayParticipant @darrenconway28179]

Hi

I read this thread and saw the feedback on the cheap-as Chinese base and arm. I went out and stoned the important mating surfaces. It made a significant improvement to the feel of the motion. Probably not as good as a Noga, but good enough.

As a side note, I know there is often a lot of bad opinion of Chinese made stuff. I buy a lot of stuff off Aliexpress, and my experience is that price is a good indicator of quality. If you pay more, you get more.

[Author]

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