Shop-made "Rotacator" ?

[Marty Tippin]

My Grizzly 15" planer calls for the use of a "Rotacator" for adjusting the roller heights, etc. - looks to me like it's just a dial indicator firmly mounted on a magnetic base.

Curious whether anyone here has built their own version of a "rotacator" and could post photos of it?

My current idea is to use a milled block of hardwood with some super magnets glued into the base. Maybe there's a better idea?

[Myk Rian]

Your plan will work. Not exactly a complicated item.

[glenn bradley]

I did this . . .

306117

A 1-2-3 block, a 1/4" bolt and washer and a jig knob. It has worked flawlessly.

[Bruce Wrenn]

My Delta 380 uses a block of wood and a feeler gauge. Works just fine, though I did modify a magnetic base to do same. Use same base when setting jointer knives

[M Toupin]

shop made from scrap. Quick, easy and cheap!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSM7Jrg34a8

Mike

[Brian W Smith]

Too lazy to post a pic......we make "machinist jacks" out of std hex,fine thread,couplings with the corresponding socket cap(allen bolt) stuck in.They can be had in just about any size.Good luck with your setup,BW

[Jim Andrew]

Would not a straight edge held 90 degrees to the rollers, and a feeler gauge work?

[Marty Tippin]

Here's what I ended up making, based largely on a similar design I saw over on LumberJocks. Works like a charm, total cost was $4 for the magnets.


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