Hi folks :)
I decided it was high time I started getting used to using the 4 jaw chuck the other day and got a very decent seconds Mercer DTI for it but having nowhere to stick the base of a dial indicator on my lathe or it's bench, I needed to come up with a workaround.
To that end, I utilised one of two tapped holes in the side of the lathe casting I'd put in some time ago for a pulley cover I made and repurposed a threaded peg (which was practically made for the job) I had salvaged from the internals of a strapping machine:
https://i.loli.net/2018/10/12/5bc077f4296fc.jpg
https://i.loli.net/2018/10/12/5bc077f4296f8.jpg
After installing the peg, I gathered up a small collection of indicator and bar clamps along with one other part I salvaged and then dug around in my supplies for some round bar stock to make a custom stand I could attach to the peg.
After a couple of design approaches, I settled on using a length of bar that runs along the side of the lathe for mounting the indicator stand. When needed, I simply lift the bar a little and butt the carriage up against it with the half nuts engaged to lock it in place and steady it:
https://i.loli.net/2018/10/12/5bc079efc09e9.jpg
When not used, the bar can be dropped down a little and the arm and indicator can be folded up and parked out of the way near the back of the lathe:
https://i.loli.net/2018/10/12/5bc07a1a5d22a.jpg
There's just enough clearance around the bar so it can remain along side the lathe for conveniance and handily it doesn't get in the way where it is, though it can be moved or dismounted if required.
https://i.loli.net/2018/10/12/5bc07b1a2b5f5.jpg
I even got to try it out not long after it was assembled and I was very pleased with how quick I was able to set it up and put it away. I always shied away from the four jaw due to only having a crappy indicator for ages but after aquiring the Mercer 2 thou DTI I (.0005" per division), there was no longer any excuse not to start using it as my primary chuck.
