Customer Reviews

Grizzly H3022 Magnetic Base, Dial Indicator, Caliper Combo pk.

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Before reviewing this item I should explain how I came to use it. I was reading a recent special issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine entitled "The Ultimate Guide to Tablesaws 2004". In this magazine I found the article "19 Step Tune-up" by Paul Anthony. This article explained a lot to me and really emphasized the importance of keeping your tablesaw (and other tools) properly adjusted. He explained the many components of a tool that can be checked/calibrated using a dial indicator. I assumed throughout the article that he was probably using some $300 model that would forever be out of my reach. Imagine my surprise when he revealed that he was using the Grizzly dial indicator with magnetic base attachment, and that these items are precise and affordable on every budget!

Now for my review: I ordered this kit because it contained a decent looking dial caliper in addition to the dial indicator and magnetic base I was really after. Grizzly shipped in their usual speedy fashion and I have to say I am well pleased with this purchase. Once you hold these tools in your hands you understand that they are good quality without being frilly. Their construction seems perfectly adequate, and my tests showed them to be quite precise as well. Within minutes I was able to set up my dial indicator and determine that the aging blade on my tablesaw was no longer flat and needed to be replaced. The dial calipers are equally easy to use and more accurate than my old calipers that were sans dial.

All in all, this is a smart buy that will allow you to fine tune your tools and check precise calibrations without hurting your pocketbook one bit.

I didn't open the package immediately upon receipt, so when I finally did and discovered the switch plate for the magnet shattered, it was a little too late to return it. Since I could operate the magnet without the blue plastic plate, I kept it.

This unit is not easily configured to use. I have a sliding table on my table saw and thought the magnetic base would make this convenient to use to check several metrics. Unfortunately, this unit doesn't easily configure to check the table travel. It's difficult to describe but trust me, getting the dial indicator at the right height to measure the blade is really an ordeal. The two rods have different diameters so, the dial only attaches to rod A which in turn must be attached to rod B. Rotating the dial on the rod it attaches to is also problematic making it difficult to position the dial face to be able to read it, assuming you can contort the mechanism to get it where you need it in the first place.

If you need to measure from the miter slots (to test fence or blade parallelism), you'll need to buy an accessory elsewhere.

The vernier caliper is very nice but only displays in decimal. I prefer my plastic caliper that also displays in 64's for more practical use in wood working.

For the price the caliper alone is almost worth the purchase, but take a closer look at the dial indicator etc. to make sure you can use it as intended.

The dial caliper (which is why I bought this set) is first rate for the money. I would give it a 5-star rating. The only drawback is that it doesn't have its own case. The magnetic base and dial indicator I would give 3-stars (or maybe 2-stars). The adjustment knobs on the rods are flimsy. They are plastic shells and not solid plastic (one came broken). The magnetic base is fine and the dial indicator is fine. My main complaint is the rods which are dificult to adjust. The shock absorber on the small rod is klutzy and causes mis-alignments to easily occur. There were no instructions of any kind included although everything is pretty intuitive. The plastic case has no foam which is OK for the magnetic base, but the dial indicator and dial caliper could benefit from a foam lined case. It would have been better if a separate case were provided for the caliper and dial indicator even at the expense of not having a case for the magnetic base and rods.

When you spend thirty dollars for something like this, you cross your fingers and hope it will be at least adequate. The quality of these measurement tools, both of them, is well beyond what I expected. I almost hesitated to write this for fear some marketing weasel would make his case for bumping the price or substituting lesser quality items.

This is my first purchase from Grizzly, to say I am impressed and that I will purchase more from this company as a result of this purchase is an understatement. 5 stars!! I would expect to pay much more for this level of quality. Thank you Grizzly. You too Amazon.

I bought this set because of the value, and it is one. The caliper is surprisingly accurate for one in a combo set costing $30. As was mentioned in another review, it would be nice if it included 1/64th graduations, which are much more useful than decimal values. The magnetic base and dial caliper are another story. I guess for the cost, Its a good value, but even the slightest touch to the adjustment arm after zeroing out the dial indicator leads to a several thousandths change in the indicator reading. That makes for some frustrating cuts!! Oh well, its still a good value. Just not as precise as I'd like it to be. Definitely worth the price you pay, though.

What can I say... cheap in both price and quality. Not a bad value, but not great.

The calipers are pretty nice, and have gotten a lot of use. However, the dial indicator is really pretty crappy, but servicable in most cases. The main problem is it just not returning to full extention after being depressed and otherwise being "sticky".

Anyway, if your primary want is a dial indicator, I would humbly suggest not getting this. On the other hand, if you need basic calipers and a dial indicator may be useful on occasion (or you just want to play around), go for it.

I've used it a few times to measure the runout of the brake rotors on my car. It works fine but the magentic base doesn't always attach itself well on curved suspension parts. Also the attachments take a bit of getting used to. I found myself untightening and tightening it several times to get it at just the right location to measure the runout.

I didn't want anything expensive and something that worked decently. This is the tool for you if that what you want.

I was a bit worried by some of the reviews that spoke of the parts being fragile and of lower quality, but I'm quite pleased by this set. Perhaps I'm not a machinist by profession, but I thought this set was great quality. The magnetic stand was quite powerful and the adjustment screws seemed appropriate quality for such a measurement device. I can't really think of any negative thing to say.

Grizzly hasn't updated their postings. DON'T BOTHER ORDERING THIS ITEM. It is out of stock until mid-August 2011 at the earliest. Would have been nice if Grizzly valued their customers enough to actually accurately represent things instead of wasting people's time.

Product is exactly as described, the magnet works well, the guages are accurate. Easy set up and tear down. Nice having the molded case to protect everything.