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  1. #1
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    Default Identify this strange instrument

    I bought a small lot of misc stuff in order to get some gauge block accessories and one of the items was this strange thing.

    Made by M.S.E Australia, its all alloy and came with a 0.01mm dial indicator in the box which attaches in holes either side of the body. It looks as though its for centering something. the funny dovetail bit on top spins inside the bottom element I dont think its really machining related, because although the workmaship is lovely i just dont think a plain alloy on alloy dovetail would fly in an industrial environment, also the threaded hole looks like 1/4 BSW and i think thats commonly used in camera gear, something for serious cinematography or projection?

    The biggest puzzle is with the DTI in the two side holes, it doesnt register any movement no matter how furiously i wiggle things. Also it came with a bobbin type thing called on the lid of the box a "spinner" NFI what that is for.

    I have uploaded a video of its actions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEmDb3wadW8

    Anyone got a clue?

    IMG_20180910_205345.jpgIMG_20180910_205647.jpgIMG_20180910_211007.jpgIMG_20180910_210215.jpgIMG_20180910_210024.jpgIMG_20180910_205912.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    ex Perth, now Mittagong
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    Default

    What you have there is a Centricator, a high class centering instrument made in Germany (under licence in Oz?, but I doubt it) and although not made by Deckel, listed among the Deckel accessories and many other German milling machines. I have one for my FP1 and no doubt there are quite a few more kicking around among the Deckel fraternity. If you Google Centricator, all will be revealed. the dial indicator will probably give its origins away. they occupy much less headroom than the Blake and Chinese clones.

  3. #3
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    Default

    Thanks Peter, very interesting! it does seem strange that there are no brand or markings on the tool itself, MSE must have just distributed them.

    It came with a few Newall Jig boring accessories so i guess it lived in a toolroom somewhere..

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
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    Perth WA
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    Default

    Ralph.

    I have the same Centricator but with a 3 Morse arbor - //metalworkforums.com/f65/t1575...34#post1539534 ( alas, photoless )

    007 (Large).JPG

    These links might also be of interest - //metalworkforums.com/f65/t1654...32#post1603732

    //metalworkforums.com/f65/t1731...75#post1667575

    Bob.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Thanks Bob, I'm guessing my shank is also not removable, which leads me to ask what kind of mount it is? It does have spanner flats so I'll give it a gentle go.

    Does the indicator on yours have its tip removed? I'm guessing that's why I see no movement.

    Thanks everyone for such quick answers.

  6. #6
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    Default

    Ralph,

    Your arbor should be a No.1 Morse with a 16mm sleeve. ( Far more convenient than the 3 Morse on mine which is engraved "Thiel") The indicator is tipped in conventional fashion and the indicator only fits into one hole, the other being for the anti rotation device.

    Bob.

  7. #7
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    Jun 2012
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    ex Perth, now Mittagong
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    Default

    Ralf,

    Your Centricator is similar to mine. You will find that the parallel sleeve on it fits over a 1MT integral shank. The Green plastic piece with a cord attached should have a magnet in the bottom of it . The small rubber plug goes into one hole on the body and the green magnet can be put anywhere on the mill to stop rotation of the body. The dial gauge will probably have {Centricator GMbH Munchen .0005"} printed on the face of the dial gauge and on mine is the only mark on it. However, Mine came in its original box with an instruction book which has [Printed in Germany} on it. I will try to do a scan of the instruction book and put it up for you or send it to you in an email?. There were apparently a few variations of them, Bob's has the ball contraption whilst yours and mine has the magnet on a string. there is a later version with the dial gauge integral with the body and seems to be more common on German ebay. The word Centricator typed into German ebay will bring up a few of them at any time.

  8. #8
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    Default

    Peter,

    If your manual is written in English is there a chance that I might be included in the mailing list? Mine is written in German. If yours is German I can post some reasonably sharp photos here of mine to save you the trouble of scanning.

    057 (Large).JPG

    I too have the magnet and string.

    038 (Large).JPG

    Bob.

  9. #9
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    Default

    Thanks Bob and Peter, a manual scan would indeed be appreciated. Inside the lid on mine is stamped 2 FEB 1961. I have a Japanese clone of a Blake and it's handy but takes up way too much Z, I can see me using this.

    The indicator has absolutely no marks on it at all.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
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    Default

    Bob,

    My instruction book is in English so if I can scan it successfully I will email you a copy.

    Peter

  11. #11
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    Default

    Bob,
    I have sent you a private message

    Peter

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