Tenths federal indicator

[Carpenter84]

The tenths indicator I bought from eBay arrived. Nice little unit. Seems smooth and solid. Nothing drawing concern.
I bought it knowing the lens was broken. I paid $30 usd plus shipping. I'd say I came out on top.

Question. Anyone know where I could get a new lens?

[Carpenter84]

Also, secondary question.

Both this indicator and my .0005" mitutoyo, the needle moves a bit if you wiggle the tip back and forth. Both have a bit of play side to side. Is this normal? Is it worth sending for repair?
I'd paid about $50 Canadian to my door for the federal and what is chock up to as $10 for the mitutoyo.

[4GSR]

Long Island Indicator out of New York are the only people that may have lenses available for these.  I recall seeing this indicator for sale on eBay a few weeks ago.  Don't worry, I wasn't going to bid against you.  I have my own collection of Federal indicators.  Don't need anymore.

Another option is to look at watch crystals.  I bet you can find one to fit or one close enough to slightly modify to work.

[RayH]

Without establishing a frame of reference, I don't understand what "back and forth" means. Also, I wonder if you are able to move the stylus "back and forth" without moving it, at all, in the normal arc of travel.

Do you intend to send the DTI to a repair station to have the crystal replaced? If so, ask them to check it out and advise you.

[gerritv]

Try here: http://www.toolsgs.com/products.html
Or your local watch repair place.

[Carpenter84]

Back and forth, moving the needle horizontally, 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. There is play back and forth.

If I use the indicator in the surface guage and slide the part back and forth, the needle will move from just the play. Sorry.. difficult to explain. I'll try to take a video later.

And, I'll look for a watch crystal. If plastic, I'll sand it to size.

[gerritv]

If you want to get creative or all-in Maker-like: https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rec.crafts.metalworking/feHhr9mOOdo/d469ieag0QQJ

Gerrit

[chipsanddust]

If you are not able to find a source, plan "B" may be to try making one.   A video on Doubleboost channel where his friend Bob has made several videos on maintenance of Dial Test Indicators.   In this segment he shows how he makes lenses for DTI's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wXP4njSXRs

[4GSR]

Here's a couple eBay links for crystals.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/24-8mm-30mm-Round-Low-Domed-watch-crystal-acrylic-repair-plastic-glass-tool/300871727850?hash=item460d5a3aea:m:mzDfEl8b4nxwavYMol3uZ6Q

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GS-STELLA-PHD-High-Hi-Dome-Round-Plastic-Watch-Crystal-plus-3-free-NOS-Vintage/131879846328?hash=item1eb4a6c1b8:m:mQIFdbVcy-gR_Y08WhPrZDQ

[4GSR]

Long Island Indicator says either 26mm for Testmaster indicators or 28.6mm for the MarTest indicator as you have. Their part number is 250.  You'll have to rig up a small crystal press or buy one of the cheap ones on eBay to use to install.  I'm still looking for how to dis assemble the bezel from the indicator.

[f350ca]

I've tried making crystals using Bobs method. Got a couple too warm but they're still clear enough to see through. Not that difficult.

Greg

[4GSR]

Here's a picture of one of my Testmaster indicators with the bezel removed.  I'm pretty sure the Federal Mar indicator comes apart in a very similar way.  Look for a notch on the side of the bezel and take a small screw driver and push down the wire spring and at the same time pry the bezel off the body.  Or what ever works for you.
Ken

[Carpenter84]

Holy crap guys! Coming through in spades!
I've been doing chores all evening (garbage day tomorrow). Didn't know I started a fire!

A thought I had earlier while I was emptying trash bins, a watch repair shop should be able to handle this. Maybe tomorrow I'll call around tomorrow. I'd rather have a professional deal with the crystal than risk ruining all of my only precision instruments.
If no go, I'll buy those eBay crystals.

[chips and more]

Your indicator that needs a crystal is no different than a watch needing a crystal. The shape/profile of the crystal and the diameter size is all you need to check. Installing would be best if the crystal was deformed in a press and installed. But, you can find a crystal that just fits and use UV curing cement to install. Good Luck…Dave

Note: Interapid test indicator crystals are glass so a little different story.

[chips and more]

Please note that I suggested you check the shape/profile of the crystal. “High Dome” is NOT one of the shapes you want! It would work, but looks bad. You can also make your own from a larger crystal, easy enough on the lathe. Maybe a new topic of discussion? And would probably look the best as far as its shape/profile goes.