Brown & Sharpe 599-7764 Miti-Mite Heavy-Duty Magnetic Base, Ball and Socket Post, 0.75" Height, 1.25" Width, 4" Length

The Brown & Sharpe Miti-Mite Heavy Duty Large Magnetic Base, compatible with dial and dial test indicators, grips three ways, has a v-base, and an always-on magnetic field. The v-base grips to flat and rounded surfaces. The 0.75 x 1.25 x 4 inch (H x W x D) base grips horizontally, vertically, and upside-down, with a 6.125” long tool post. (H is the vertical distance from lowest to highest point; W is the horizontal distance from left to right; D is the horizontal distance from front to back.) Ball and socket joint in the base post allows for a wider range of movement than a typical pin joint. The offset rod is 6.125” long and designed to connect to measuring tools having a 0.25” lug back. The swivel clamp hole for rods is 0.25” diameter, with a 0.3125” diameter post hole.

Magnetic bases are magnetic fixtures commonly used in metalworking to hold dial indicators, and are also used in other fields, such as optics. Magnetic bases can assist the user with setting up a workpiece in a milling machine, surface grinder, or other machine tool. The vertical post and rod in a magnetic base connect using swiveling connectors, or snugs. This allows free motion of the arm so that the dial indicator can be moved into position on the workpiece. Many magnetic bases have a V-step, which is a V-shaped notch in the base for holding the base to arbors, shafts, and other cylindrical items. The magnetic base has a circular hole through the center. A round permanent magnet is inserted into this hole, and a handle or button is attached to allow the user to rotate the magnet. Rotating the magnet turns the base on and off as this causes the position of the magnetic field to rotate as well. In the on position, the iron is acting as an extension of the magnet, while in the off position, the magnet is acting as a keeper, preventing the magnetic field from extending through the base.

Brown & Sharpe manufactures precision measuring equipment and metrology hand tools. The company, founded in 1833, played a key role in setting industrial standards in the United States. Brown & Sharpe was acquired by Hexagon Metrology in 2001 and is headquartered in North Kingstown, RI.