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Gunsmithing Fowler test indicators

coelk

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 22, 2009
65
0
45
Colorado
I am going to buy a new set of test indicators and was wondering if anyone has tried Fowler indicators. How do they hold up? Would I be better off buying the Starrett or Mitutoyo.
thanks!
 
Re: Fowler test indicators

http://longislandindicator.com/p37.html

That will give you a little info.

Don't underestimate fleabay. I picked up two B&S indicators, one a .0005 and the other .00005. The .00005 was brand new. PAid less than $140 for the pair.

B&S and Interapid are GTG. Never had a Starret (except for a lastword that I absolutely hated), and the one Mitutoyo I had had issues, and needed repaired shortly after I got it. Luckily the shop I worked for fixed our indicators for free.
 
Re: Fowler test indicators

You don't see many professional machinist/toolmakers using Fowler stuff. Interapid is the way to go.
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Re: Fowler test indicators

when on sale at enco, the mitutoyo is not that much more than the fowlers in the .0001" flavor. the mitutoyo also lets you reach into a chamber. i have a couple fowler test indicators in .0005" and .0001" and a few .001" dial indicators and they seem to work just fine. i usually use my mitutoyo just for the piece of mind.
 
Re: Fowler test indicators

I have a couple of Fowler instruments. They are OK, considering what you pay for them.

I have had 1 Interapid. It was in the same class. I also have B&S, Mitutoyo, Starrett and Federal. For MY MONEY... my opinion, Federal is probably the best buy for the money. I currently have 5 or 6 Federal indicators that still work just fine.

I also have 2 Starrett Last Word indicators. I'm not really crazy about them.