what do you guys think of this Spine Tester

BobCo19-65 · 07-30-2004, 02:42 PM

Check this out and let me know what you think.

http://www.jamesmhill.com/Spine_Tester.html

Oldguy · 07-30-2004, 08:22 PM

Clever device!

Straightarrow · 07-31-2004, 07:05 AM

That's the best description and photos I've seen for a home-made one. I think I'm going to make one.

JeffB · 07-31-2004, 07:21 AM

Yep very cool.

The one we have at our shop, made by the folks who make the ratchet press has a special "hanger" for the weight also so that there is no interference.

Unfortunately, like this home-made model, the one by the Ratchet-lock people is set up to test spine the way wood shafting is..i.e. measured over a 26 inch span. Modern alum and carbons are tested over 28 inches. My shop modified theirs so it would measure to AMO/ATA specs (28")

Arthur P · 07-31-2004, 07:39 AM

The one I've got has the two pound weight on a swinging arm, and the weight sits directly over the indicator. I think I might modify mine to use this guy's idea. Never have been too sure about how much weight I'm actually putting on the shaft the way I've got mine set up.

BGfisher · 08-01-2004, 10:37 PM

Very clever, indeed. I may just have to make me one.

Straightarrow · 08-02-2004, 06:17 AM

For anyone making one, dial indicators are fairly cheap at Harbor Freight - $13.99 for one with 1" of travel.