Newbie- Tramming Mill

[Wolfmarsh]

Ive searched and read a ton of posts, and understand the process of tramming the mill.

The only thing I cant seem to find is where in the heck to buy the part/arm that connects the dial indicator to the spindle.

Im browsing littlemachineshop and see the magnetic bases, but it looks like most people have something that either slips in the end mill holder, or in the chuck, then has an arm with one or two joints in it.

I see the magnetic bases have V's on the bottom, am I overlooking just sticking the v-base to the spindle?

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

[Fixittt]

I made this little bracket to allow me to tighten the screw onto an endmill in the collet. If you have a drill chuck you can chuck up the little shank on the dial indicator.

[tauntdesigns]

This type of ind holder fits around the spindle and doesn't require removal of tool to attach it. Make sure if you get this type that you get the size that will fit your spindle( the part of the spindle that turns).
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?P...PARTPG=INLMK32
OR
Universal dovetail holder (if it fit your dovetail size)
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=347&PMCTLG=00
OR
Indicol or SPI indicator accessories you can use the dovetail adapter pin
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=346&PMCTLG=00

Hope this helps some,
Jack

[bilinghm]

You can tram fine using a piece of mild steel rod of the appropriate diameter bent into an "L" shape. One end clamps in the spindle, the other holds the indicator over the table, allowing it to be swung around the X and Y.

[pzzamakr1980]

Also, if you have access to a lathe and some round stock, you can make the part as detailed on Industrial Hobbies website. You can make it to fit a plunge dial indicator or a Last Word Indicator.
URL: http://www.industrialhobbies.com
The pictures are under the Tips & Techniques section. At the bottom. Squaring Your Mill.

[whoafat]

If you use Ebay, do a search for test indicator holders. You get a lot of choices today,
Wilfred

[cam1]

I use the arm from my Mag indicator base (about 6" long). I turned a short stub from 1/2 cold rolled stock to be a slip fit into the adapter. I then chuck into a collet.
Works great, no bucks

regards