Originally Posted by bevinp 
.... I am hoping that an electronic edge finder (a good one) will be easier to use (not require spindle running).
...
Bevin
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Bevin,
I have the Fowler LED solution as well. He only difference to the mechanical edge finder is the LED/ battery gismo. You will have to turn on the spindle and move until you get a full LED-on. Before that you have an on-off signal that comes from the runout of the edge finder.
I frequently use the electronic edge finder to check the travel in x and y direction with some gage blocks. If you know the shortcomings they work well.
99% of the LED edge finders that I have seen/wrecked/shot through the room have a runout. The shaft that holds the contact area is flexible and bends easily. Use a collet holder.
That fact throws some wrinkles on my forehead concerning the probe solution addressed earlier.
Expect the tip to be between 0.199X and 0.200X. Pretty sad for a precision instrument, but it is what it is. I am adjusting for it in the tool table.
Have fun.
Benji