Toolpost indicator holder

[Bob Engelhardt]

[...]
This is one of the better YT's demonstrating the method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KMhx4DbyDg&ab_channel=DavidLemereis

[...]

I do it that way and it is really effective ... to .001 or 2 with 1-1/2 revolutions of the chuck.

[J Tiers]

My only gripe with something like a Mighty Mag is you can not turn it off.
I hate magnets that attract chips and they are so difficult to clean off.
An air hose or a rag only get them so clean.

-D

That IS a major issue.

Another is that the mighty-Mag is quite large, sticks only one way, and mine at least, has hole sizes that are not all what I'd like. Having the knobs on to actually clamp stuff in it also makes it even larger.

I have another permanent base (no off-knob) that is a lot smaller, but quite strong. Yes, it attracts chips, but it's smaller and actually works decently. It may be a B&S, maybe a knock-off of something they sold, not sure. IIRC (I'm out of town) it has a marking on it that has an "omega" and a lightning bolt symbol. Something like that.

[wierdscience]

Sort of new on the market is MAGSWITCH magnets.
They are stronger than ANY magnetic indicator base
I have ever used. They have a ton of items on their
web site, like table saw feather boards and a fence
for the band saw. Even end effectors for robot arms.
Funny they do not have one specifically configured
for a dial indicator base. They are on Ebay but I
picked up mine at Woodworkers Wearhouse the other
day. Got the 150 pound pull model. It was $46.
I plan on mounting a Noga arm on it. I am really
impressed by their power and the on/off switch is very
easy to turn. This magnet is a hidden gem. You might
want to try one if you need a truly great indicator base.
The 2 through holes can be tapped with a 10-32 tap
to mount a plate adapter if you want.
--Doozer

I have a couple of their welding angle magnets, worth their weight in Gold. What I have really been lusting after is one of their Magdrills-

https://magswitch.com/product/magdrilldisruptor30/