Universal indicator

[Occasional machinist]

For many years I've had to use an assortment of indicating techniques for my lathe, depending on what I was trying to centre on the lathe. Based on a friend's efforts (but nothing like his) I finally came up with an indicator that can 1) indicate next to the chuck; 2) indicate along surfaces; 3) allow set over for eccentrics and 4) indicate bores.
This is the last video in the series of 4. Others are on the channel home page or in the unique tooling play list

Michael

[Jon]

Congratulations Occasional machinist - your Universal Indicator is the Homemade Tool of the Month for March 2025!

This was a difficult month to win, with a large number of high quality homemade tools. However, this is a very well thought out and documented build of a clever and useful tool.

Here is the full four-video series, from prototype to finished tool.

And here are the plans images:







Some more good builds from March:

Safety Roller Knife Guide by mklotz
Gasket Circle Cutter by jjr2001
Sensitive Drilling And Tapping System by jjr2001
Small Adjustable Square by jjr2001
Cable Plow Chute by Frank S
Electric Tapping Machine by Made in Garage
Inside Clamping Vise Modification by Mook
Router Centering Pin by HENRY!
Loader by darus627
Fly Cutter by SteelCraft
Parts Cleaner by Kovanca Polock
Waterproofing Compound by Kovanca Polock
Magnetic Strip Cutter by Cazual Haze
Adjustable Lathe Backstop by Mook
Follow Rest by hemmjo
Table Saw Sled by Didpoolhall
Hose Clamp Fixture by orioncons36
Multifunction Machine by Mr.DK DIY
QCTP Holders by Improvised DIY
Thumbwheels by Improvised DIY
Steady Rest by celsoari
Aggressive Hacksaw by My MiniCrafts
Metal Lathe by diy creative crafts
Parting Off Drip Oiler by jjr2001
Bandsaw Circle Cutting Jig by Mazay
Spring-Loaded Door Buck by HENRY!
Adjustable Squares by jjr2001
Sliding Miter Saw by troyhaack
Mill Vise Stop by jjr2001
Chuck Retrofit by The Hobby Machinist NZ
Anti-Vibration Hammer by My MiniCrafts
Belt Grinder by My MiniCrafts
Small Thin Square by jjr2001
Grinder Stand by orioncons36
Mini Hand Drill by My MiniCrafts
Vacuum Chamber by GBWM
Rubber Dissolving Method by Kovanca Polock



Occasional machinist - You'll be receiving a $250 cash prize, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and prize choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

And, you'll now notice the four-column award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:



Nice work