Raker Dial Indicator: Feedback on marketability

[jsim]

I have never been a fan of raker file gauges. Years ago I set up a separate grinder with a flat wheel for grinding raker depth. I had no way of measuring the depth, so I hacked together a dial indicator gauge out of aluminum.
I use the gauge when I grind chains as a quick check. When I get less than .020, I stick the chain in my raker grinder for a true up. I thought about making some to sell but there was enough machining involved to make it pricey. I am more prone to making things out of sheet metal whenever possible. So out of boredom, I redesigned the unit in sheet metal.
Do any of you members think it would be a seller?
Any feedback much appreciated!

 

[Creeker]

Very nice improvisation jsim.

I'm surprised something like that doesn't exist already. I think quite a few chainsaw users would use one
if the price were reasonable as they could see exactly where the depth gauges are at.

Long term experienced hand filers may not go to that degree of measuring and personally I wouldn't either.

Still has commercial possibilities I'd reckon

 

[rd35]

That is an awesome tool. Nice job!

 

[zogger]

Nice tool! do you have a ballpark price in mind yet?

 

[ANewSawyer]

I like the look of it. Does it work with all common handheld chainsaw chain pitches and brands of chain?

I threw the handheld in there so we wouldn't trying to make it work on a harvester.

 

[Mattyo]

I think it could be manufactured for fairly inexpensive. nice lookin tool

i'm like you, never a fan of raker gauges, but this might convert me!

 

[blsnelling]

These progressive depth gauges work fantastic.

 

[backhoelover]

 

[banditt007]

They are commercially available and used in any machine shop already. Not knocking your tool making ability at all though, nice job.

 

[blsnelling]

I use one like that for checking the height of popups.

 

[SCHallenger]

These progressive depth gauges work fantastic.

Where did you get those, & who is the manufacturer?

 

[jsim]

To answer a few questions, I will explain the following:
Commercially available depth gauges. The dial indicator types have a ball end, which is almost useless in this situation. The first time I measured true raker depth, I used my starrett depth gauge which did work, but was awkward. I had to get eye level with the chain to make sure I was on the raker and keeping the gauge in line with the the bar was iffy. You can see on my prototype that raker location is easily visible.
Range of application: I have taken into account skip tooth chain which is why the gauge is 3 inches wide. In other words most chains could be measured.
Pricing: Between $33 & $40 depending on how large my production run would be.
I designed it to be a quick and easy way to check the depth. The only drawback I found is that you do have to keep the gauge in line with the bar. If you rock the gauge forward or to the back the reading will change. The best way to check your method of holding the gauge is to test it on a new chain, which I have done a couple of times.
Hope this post is helpful.

 

[blsnelling]

Where did you get those, & who is the manufacturer?

They're made by Husqvarna. I ordered them from Jacks Small Engines, IIRC.

 

[lambs]

They're made by Husqvarna. I ordered them from Jacks Small Engines, IIRC.

Do these depth gauges work with Stihl chain?

 

[SCHallenger]

They remind me of the old Carlton FOP which I still have. Unfortunately, it only worked with Carlton Full Chisel 3/8 (the original Carlton which I used to buy in the '80s & '90s).

 

[lambs]

They remind me of the old Carlton FOP which I still have. Unfortunately, it only worked with Carlton Full Chisel 3/8 (the original Carlton which I used to buy in the '80s & '90s).

Yep, I have some FOP's but they do not work well with Stihl chain, so I was wondering if Brad could confirm that the Husky product would fit. My local Husky dealer does not carry them, so I'd have to order them on line.

 

[KiwiBro]

 

[lambs]

I use a Tilt Box myself, but would love to find a good depth gauge tool for field use.

 

[Termite]

They're made by Husqvarna. I ordered them from Jacks Small Engines, IIRC.

My local dealer ordered a couple of those gauges for me.

I need a special end on a dial indicator for doing jointer knives. Ya have to measure at the top of the ark. However, the set I just did with a block of wood cut good, no snipe at all.

I ordered one of those Wixey angle gauges when I built a hopper for a grape press that had been in a fire. It was an irregular base pyramid with mitered corners. The Wixey was invaluable.

 

[Ozhoo]

These 4 buck tire tread depth gauges work like a champ