What is this called? Clear plastic scale pointer

[Picktool]

What do they call these scale indicator things for measuring?
I've tried a few keywords and not getting decent results.
Looking for some with the magnification bubble also.
Know of a decent website with a page loaded with them?

Trying to avoid making one if there is one out ready & willing.

[attachimg=1]

 

[peter halle]

I would call that a magnifying cursor.  It might be easiest to find one as a spare part for a table saw.  For instance:  https://sawstop.3dcartstores.com/Fence-Position-Indicator-Lens-for-T-Glide-Fences_p_63.html

Peter

 

[Picktool]

Thanks Peter,

Hmm... so a Cursor is the name. Just a bit tough
to find them when all you see are computer cursors in
google images.

Didnt think of the tablesaw parts for the magnifying ones. Cool.

Might have to make one after all.

[blink]

 

[Michael Kellough]

I don't find magnifying cursors all that useful. They magnify everything. I prefer finer scribed lines.

My top preference is fine lines and a vernier scale so you can directly position to a fraction of an increment.

Google vernier scale, but the basic formulae is that you make a short scale that is either smaller or larger by one increment than the long reference scale. Then you simply match lines.

My old Paralok table saw fence was my introduction to this method. (The Paralok was designed by an architect)
The rail that the fence slides on has a long scale adhered to it like most systems. On the T bar is a small piece of aluminum with 8 increments on it. (4 to each side of the "0" centerline). The 4 increments span exactly 5/16 of an inch so when the 0 is lined up with an increment on the long scale only the marks on the outermost ends of the vernier scale also align with marks on the long scale. The other marks vary from 1/4 of a sixtenth to 3/4 of a sixtenth. So, moving the fence so the next closest mark lines up with a mark on the long scale means you moved the fence precisely 1/64". Moving the fence only enough so two marks equally stradle a 1/16" increment means you moved the fence 1/128".

 

[ChuckM]

The sawfence cursor is a rough tool to me. I find the factory cursor (with a magnifying lens or not) more than good enough.

For precision cuts, I don't rely on the cursor or the saw scale/tape. If I want to cut identical stock of 12" width, it doesn't matter whether the saw fence is set at 12" 1/64 strong or weak, as long as all the cuts are done with the same fence setting.

When I need to cut a stock that must fit exactly, say, an opening, I measure the opening with a steel rule or tape and then set the fence using that very same rule or tape, which may or may not give the same measurement as the tape on the saw.

 

[J0hn]

I just added the Wixey digital readout to my table saw - very pleased with the results.  Accurate to 3 decimal points and you can calibrate by either sliding the fence up to the blade or cut a piece of wood, and directly enter the measurements into the unit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072HFQLBS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

example pic from their website

 

[Euclid]

I don't find magnifying cursors all that useful. They magnify everything. I prefer finer scribed lines.

I see your point, Michael, but I thought the primary purpose of that device was not to improve accuracy per se, but make the standard level accuracy available to those with less-than-perfect eyesight.

 

[ChuckM]

I see your point, Michael, but I thought the primary purpose of that device was not to improve accuracy per se, but make the standard level accuracy available to those with less-than-perfect eyesight.

+1

 

[sancho57]

I call it a doo hickie or a more technical term a whatchamacallit

 

[tSgt75]

Well to be frank, it’s called a cursor, a view finder, etc. But I’ve always heard cursor. Now the one you would probably want, depending upon your application is the Delta/Biesemeyer Magnifying Cursor #1352593S. I make a lot of my own fences for table saws, and these are the best in my opinion. I order mine directly from M&M Tools in Salt Lake City.https://www.mmtoolparts.com/store/ Good luck.

 

[Bob D.]

Well to be frank, it’s called a cursor, a view finder, etc. But I’ve always heard cursor. Now the one you would probably want, depending upon your application is the Delta/Biesemeyer Magnifying Cursor #1352593S. I make a lot of my own fences for table saws, and these are the best in my opinion. I order mine directly from M&M Tools in Salt Lake City.https://www.mmtoolparts.com/store/ Good luck.

That's the one used on my Unisaw (36L336, 2010 vintage) and I like it. Delta has used that cursor on multiple fences over the years.