117 : Starrett 711 Last Word Indicator

page 117

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Long Island Indicator Service Inc

Precision Tool Repairs, Sales & Spare Parts

	Starrett 711 Last Word Indicator special Internet repair offer

Your grand-dad probably had one of these. Maybe he even passed it down to you and you'd like to have it refurbished. Long Island Indicator Service has been repairing these stalwarts of the American shop for decades and because the parts haven't changed substantially in all these years, even old Last Word Indicators can be returned to "like new" condition.

Starrett Last Word indicators were the first indicators we repaired when we opened Long Island Indicator Service in 1961 and, for a limited time, we're offering a special repair price to get these workhorses back in shape. The price includes everything needed to get them back into A-1 working condition, but we can not repair serious body damage. The cost does not include replacement of missing parts. If that's the case we'll issue a free repair quote.

For this special internet offer, please fill out the online order (see the link below) which will also ask for your credit card information. Submit the order and you will receive a confirmation by email. Print a copy of this e-mail confirmation and include it with your shipment. The credit card will not be charged until the repaired indicator is shipped back to you. Please allow up to 2 weeks.

Your total satisfaction is always guaranteed. Send as many as you like!

Last Word (model 711 or 711F) 2012 internet special repair offer ... $85 order now

Last Word Attachments (as illustrated above)

The body clamp will slip over the indicator's body with considerable friction, to keep it in place. You will then be able to clamp it to any rod between 1/8" and 1/4" in diameter, using the thumb screw. PT07101F Body Clamp Complete (includes the thumb screw) ... order on page 32

Universal friction holder with shank (part number 13175 but sold as part 711AE), simply called "attachment" in the photo above. To install, remove the end screw on your Last Word (a large screw driver is useful) and screw the holder in its place. Don't panic if it doesn't screw in nicely. This isn't a Swiss indicator. Use a bit of oil and tighten it carefully with small pliers. The shank is 3/16" in diameter and this can be fastened in your chuck. The shank swivels until its clamping mechanism is tightened to hold it steady. Your indicator is now ready to check for centers, concentricity or run-out. This friction holder, although termed "universal" is Last Word specific and can not be used on other indicator brands. 711EA ... 21.90

This sleeve has 3/16" openings which will fit over the shanks on PT07104F and PT13175 allowing you to "couple" (connect) them. Coupling PT05116 ... order on page 32
PT07104F Long and short arm ... order on page 32
carbide contact points ... page 21
Storage box. This is the original red box with the hinged lid and foam inserts that all new Last Word indicators ship in. It's the large 6x3 inch version with room for all your Last Word attachments. 711F-GZZ ... 22.00

for spare parts refer to our page 73

Accuracy

According to the manufacturer, the accuracy of the Last Word 711 indicator is ±.0005" (though this rather significant detail is omitted in the Starrett catalog).

.001" vs .0005": They're the same indicator but have different dials. The .0005" dial is simply subdivided into smaller units. Both indicators have the same accuracy. You can mentally subdivide the .001" or you can have the dial changed on your old indicator when you send it for repair.

Some notes about using your Last Word indicator

How to change the contact point: swivel the clip, which holds the contact point, using a small screw driver instead of your finger nails. Position the new contact point and swivel the clip back into place. Starrett model 711 Last Word indicators have a contact point which swivels on a ratchet. Sometimes the ratchet doesn't fit well and the contact point will cause the lever arm to jam. You'll have to try another contact point. Sometimes the pivot screw protrudes too much and rubs against the contact point. Again, try another point until one fits. For proper operation make sure the reversing lever is fully engaged up or down and that the contact point is properly seated in the ratchet. (see contact points)

How to change the crystal: remove the chrome bezel by prying it off with a screw driver and replace the crystal (see parts list). If your old indicator still has a wire spacer, throw the wire away. The new crystals don't need this spacer. A pair of jeweler's pliers will help you squeeze the bezel back into place.

If the indicator hand jumps on a regular basis, try de-magnetizing the indicator. If you don't already have one, a small demagnetizer can be bought from most supply catalogs. Spinning objects and motors can induce magnetic fields in the indicator. If magnetic fields are a problem in your shop environment it may be best to switch to a non-magnetic indicator. Mitutoyo, Bestest, Compac and Interapid are all suitable alternatives.

If the indicator hand hangs up on occasion, just tap the indicator and the hand will probably return to its normal setting. Don't let this upset you if it happens only occasionally. We're talking Starrett here.

Repairs - Last Word indicator

Unless the body is cracked or broken, these indicators can be repaired. We've been doing it for about 50 years. In fact, we're still repairing 711F indicators from the 1950's. They may not be the most sophisticated of indicators, but they do have staying-power.

“Spirit has fifty times the strength and staying-power of brawn and muscle”
—Mark Twain

Repairs have a fixed price and if you use a credit card, turn-around is typically just a couple of days. We're always happy to get these little fellows back in shape. Check our repair service for details.

Repair it yourself

Repairs of the Last Word 711 indicator can be surprisingly tricky because new parts don't always fit as well as they should. You should be prepared to make minor alterations from time to time.

To do a satisfactory repair you'll need a pair of fine point tweezers, a small and a large screw driver, small jeweler's pliers, hand lifter, a loupe (or magnifying glass), de-magnetizer, cleaning solution (your choice), and lubricating oil.

Begin by completely disassembling the indicator. This is the only way you can examine each part and determine what needs replacing.

Remove the large cover screw on the side of the body. Remove the large cover screw on the end of the body (or the holder which may have been placed there). Remove the contact point (see instructions above) and unscrew the pivot screw. The lever assembly now slides out of the body. Remove the bezel (see instructions above) and the clear plastic crystal. Now you'll have to get the hand off and for this you'll want to use a hand lifter. You can improvise using two flat bladed screw drivers, but beware, you're likely to break the pinion if you're not careful. Remove the two screws which are revealed under the dial. Lift off the plate, the wavy washer and the ring. You're left looking at the hair spring attached to the spiral gear (center pinion). Notice that the hair spring is pegged into the body with a small brass pin. Push this pin out from the inside of the body. It can be tricky. When complete, remove the spiral gear, but there's no need to separate it from the hair spring. Leave these intact. Congratulations! Your disassembly is complete.

Clean all the parts by soaking them in a cleaning solution of your choice and then brushing them clean with a soft brush. Take extra care not to harm the hair spring. We like to use the mildest solution that will work, starting with an organic cleaner and moving up to a petroleum product if the grease and oils won't dissolve. It's imperative that all parts are immaculately clean and dry. If rust is present, now is the time to take out the wire brush and sand paper.

As you reassemble in reverse order, you'll want to examine each part for damage and replace those with new parts. There's little chance that any part can be repaired, so you'll save time and effort by keeping a small stock of commonly used parts at hand. Use a tiny amount of oil on moving parts and don't forget to demagnetize these indicators when done. It can make all the difference.

On page 73 you'll find a parts breakdown to make identification easier.

There's quite a bit of satisfaction to be had upon the successful repair of one of these indicators, so enjoy!

How old is my Last Word indicator?

oldLastWordbody

The exact age can't be determined because Last Word indicators have changed very little over the years. They did, however, go through several stages with distinct characteristics. Among the oldest models you will find that the end of the body was slanted (shown above). This is probably pre-1960. Subsequent models have ends which are squared off.

LastWordolddial

The oldest models also had dials which lacked the yellow band along the right hand side, as seen in current models. You will see .001" written as 1/1000" on the dials (shown above). Keep in mind, your indicator may have been repaired at some time and the dial may have been changed to the new style.

MAYMAY

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Long Island Indicator Service Inc
14 Sarah Drive — Hauppauge NY 11788 — USA