help me identifying this instrument

Hello PiraticalMachinist,

I need to build a machine similar to the one on the picture to strengthening acme screws (for a smaller scale application)
Does anybody know of a Gage ‘Set up’off the shelf similar to the one on the picture?

It measures the Rod run out as the operator rotates the outer surface of the rod.
I thought of having the Dial indicator directly underneath the rod however, it would be hard for the operator to see the needle changes.
Thanks in advance

Companies like Marposs make contact and non-contact instrumentation that will do what you need.

Equipment for dimensional and geometric inspection | MARPOSS

Many other metrology companies out there, including Mitutoyo, that can supply electronic indicators or sensors that can have a remote display, a lot of options here. Also look into Hall and similar proximity sensors, both magnetic and optically based.

^^^ That's what I was thinking. Remote reading indicator.

iGaging Absolute Origin Indicator w/ Remote Readout, 0-1"/0-25mm Range, 0.0005" Reading - 35-999-25 - Penn Tool Co., Inc

It looks like a specially made lever actuator for a standard dial gauge. Probably designed by the press manufacturer.

It looks like an overgrown version of this:
Vintage STARRETT Hole Attachment 196F with Box Indicator Measuring Tool X-486 | eBay

nt1953 said:

It looks like an overgrown version of this:
Vintage STARRETT Hole Attachment 196F with Box Indicator Measuring Tool X-486 | eBay

Click to expand...

Except that it transfers motion 90*.

Depending on size and accuracy, if I had to build a straightening press, there'd be 3 travel indicators. One positioned by choice along the length below, another at the ram to monitor deflection and one adjacent at 90°. Straightening rarely is just a bow along the axis/ centerline. The third indicator, away from ram displays bends at different 'angles' to the one being straightened.
I've straightened many, many swaged tubing aircraft components. We had a conventional hydraulic H-frame 60" wide. Vee blocks registered right to the cross-wise bed rails; along those rails I mounted mag base indicators. The one below was tedious centering & at the first initial bit of travel until I conceived a 'truck', mounted on a rod connecting well below the Vee's.
Consider 2" travel to monitor deflection, 1" run out of travel just compensating for spring-back of material.
This is ancient history enough that internet and convenient digital photography was WAY out of reach. Hopefully this description conveys a relatable image.
Our collective ability to author good technical writing seems to wane every passing moment.