I use my "Kingway copy" just for checking alignments (I do not use, or even have, level fittings for it.). I find it to be a super tool, and I will be making a larger version, as I get into larger work where it needs stouter bars, and a larger "tube foot".
When I check alignment, I use a DTI with a "normal" ball end lever, something in the 1/16" to 3/32" diameter range of ball. I have several DTIs for it, 0.001", 0.005" and a 0.0001" per division. Of course, when moving along the surfaces, there is a fair bit of "bounce" as the DTI picks up all the scrape marks and high spots. I pretty much "eyeball" the range, and make sure that my "eyeball average" looks like it is where it should be. And apparently that is working, so maybe I should not mess with it.
But, I get to thinking that just like the "round "button foot" for the ball end of the Kingway,. some sort of "foot" for the DTI ball would average out the scrape marks and show the surface much more the way the mating surface contacts it. Might avoid some of the "eyeball averaging" and show small trends better.
One factor against it is that the DTI is fairly delicate, and I am leery of "attachments" or gizmos that the arm needs to drag along. Another might be just the hassle of needing 6 hands to get everything in place for some inconvenient checks.
Anyone tried that?
Was there really any advantage?
Reasons it's a bad idea?
When I check alignment, I use a DTI with a "normal" ball end lever, something in the 1/16" to 3/32" diameter range of ball. I have several DTIs for it, 0.001", 0.005" and a 0.0001" per division. Of course, when moving along the surfaces, there is a fair bit of "bounce" as the DTI picks up all the scrape marks and high spots. I pretty much "eyeball" the range, and make sure that my "eyeball average" looks like it is where it should be. And apparently that is working, so maybe I should not mess with it.
But, I get to thinking that just like the "round "button foot" for the ball end of the Kingway,. some sort of "foot" for the DTI ball would average out the scrape marks and show the surface much more the way the mating surface contacts it. Might avoid some of the "eyeball averaging" and show small trends better.
One factor against it is that the DTI is fairly delicate, and I am leery of "attachments" or gizmos that the arm needs to drag along. Another might be just the hassle of needing 6 hands to get everything in place for some inconvenient checks.
Anyone tried that?
Was there really any advantage?
Reasons it's a bad idea?