Interapid Magnetic Base
Best Quality Swiss-made Magnetic Indicator Base
For hassle free precision measuring using dial, digital or test indicators, a high quality magnetic base is indispensable.
These Swiss-made magnetic bases, with fine adjustment, are the highest quality you're likely to find. They're sturdy enough so that you can use them with high resolution test indicators (.0001" or 0,002 mm for example).
Once you realize that TESA (Switzerland) is the manufacturer and that Interapid and Etalon are brand names, you won't be so surprised to see that this magnetic stand has a TESA part number yet has the Interapid logo on the base, appears in the Brown & Sharpe catalog and has instructions printed for an Etalon stand. They're trying to cover all bases.
Interapid 01639023
(Formerly Brown & Sharpe 01690032 also sold as TESA 16.39023)
The clamp will accommodate the 8 mm diameter stem of dial indicators (as shown in the photo above) and the stand is ideal for electronic probes as well. (It will not be possible to mount indicators with 3/8" diameter stems.)
The 11" long reticulating arm can take on numerous configurations and one knob tightens everything securely into place. At that point you can use the fine adjustment knob located on the clamp, to get your indicator or probe into position.
The end of the arm accepts any brand test indicator dovetail, but you'll probably want to use this magnetic base with other high quality instruments made in Switzerland, such as Interapid, Compac, Tesatast or Bestest indicators.
The V-shaped magnetic base measures 60 mm long x 50 mm wide x 55 mm high. It offers 400 N force, with a convenient on/off switch. The V shape allows this base to be magnetically attached to a rod, spindle or cylinder measuring anywhere from 30 mm to 150 mm in diameter.
It will also attach to any flat surface that can accept a magnet. Solid steel surfaces are best. Sheet metal is too flimsy. The back of the base is also magnetic and the stand can be attached to a vertical surface (do this carefully, since it's easy to knock these to the floor). The stand can not be used on its own, without the magnet.
- The height (H) is 390 mm and length of the arm (L) is 280 mm (11 inches). Other sizes are also available. Check the TESA catalog for details.
This close-up of the clamping mechanism shows a Compac indicator held by the dovetail. The black knob tightens the clamp onto the dovetail while the metallic knob allows for fine adjustment of the indicator's position after everything else is set in place.
The manufacturer offers two instructions (paraphrased, edited and amended):
- For safe positioning of the measuring support with maximum adhesive force, the surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Do no attempt to stick the base on an oily or gritty surface.
- Don't tighten the clamp screw unless there's an indicator in the clamp, either in the dovetail or in the 8 mm hole. Tightening it may cause the clamp to become distorted or to snap.
It is possible that at some point down the line you may damage or lose the clamp. It's comforting to know that they are theoretically available as replacement parts.
Other magnetic bases are available.
There is no question that Amazon can offer you the best prices on almost every kind of precision measuring tool. They also offer easy no-questions-asked returns and often free shipping. The small distributor simply cannot compete. That's why we include this link so you can go directly to Amazon and see what they're offering.
Two things to consider:
- Amazon product photos sometimes don't match the product description. It's the description that you want to pay attention to.
- There are imitation gages on the market (specifically Mitutoyo) and you can make sure you are getting the real item by looking for the words "sold by Amazon". If it is sold by a third party, you might want to call Mitutoyo to find out if they are legitimate distributors.
Companion Reference Guide for Test Indicators
$19.50
Now available at Amazon.com
14 Sarah Drive — Hauppauge NY 11788 — USA
Disclosure: Although most of the links on this website allow you to make a purchase directly from us, some links may direct you to Amazon. Any purchases you make from those links will result in a commission for us. That commission helps to pay for the construction and upkeep of this web site. We are grateful for any purchases you make through those links.
Privacy: We do not collect any information while you are visiting this website unless you proceed to place an order. If you place an order, your information will be kept confidential and will not be sold or made available to any other entity. If one of our links leads to Amazon, their privacy statement should be considered.