Cheaper Rise/Fall Indicator?

[Brian.Evans]

Is there a way to make a fairly inexpensive rise/fall indicator? I'm to the point where I need to fit my slip joint springs and I just can't afford to buy a nice pre-made one. If I had a mill I'd make a nice one, but I'd like to hear opinions on how to do it a bit more inexpensively while I save for a nice one.

Thanks.

 

[SBuzek]

Take a piece of steel and set a pivot pin and a spring pin and scribe a line along the back of the spring in the open position ans set the rest from there.
You can even use a block of wood to do it.
Stan

 

[Jason Fry]

Agree with Stan. Use a scribed line and get it set by eye to where it's as close as you can get it. After heat treat, use your finger during the assembly process. You'll be able to feel any discrepancies.

 

[fast14riot]

Take a piece of steel and set a pivot pin and a spring pin and scribe a line along the back of the spring in the open position ans set the rest from there.
You can even use a block of wood to do it.
Stan

+1. I used some scraps of acrylic I pulled out of the dumpster at Tap Plastic.


-Xander

 

[12345678910]

http://usaknifemaker.com/tools-hand...l-indicator-premium-knifedogs-brand-tool.html

Have a look at that.

The indicator is probably $20, some steel maybe $5 more


The purchased one is made to be flexible, but you could make yours to just do the pattern you are working on.
Fiddle with clamps until you figure it out and screw it together.

Chain drilling and filing can replace a milled slot.