Thanks to the RevDoc for the link to the Murphy/Hosford material at PGCA. Bill, your instructions for use of the Manson WTG are similar to those given by Amarillo Mike for his "Truth" gauge a few months back. Obviously, the orientation of the gauge to the "in use" position for zeroing the indy is of first importance. After reading this, I see no reason why the inexpensive Manson could not be provided with a "third hand": a table hold down comprising a couple of pillow blocks and a shaft with an expanding mandrel one end and a crank the other for securing and rotating the barrel tube in the cantilevered horizontal orientation. As I recall Hosford has some sort of vise or holding appliance for his gauge.

jack