I had bought one on eBay many years ago and it wasn't working correctly as sometimes the dial would stick. I called and talked to Dean and he said send it to him. He had been making a longer version that was 16" long and I asked if he could fix mine and add the new 16" rod. When I got it back I swear it was a brand new one, new dial indicator, long 16" aluminum rod. I forgot what he charged me but it was very, very reasonable.
I have since made a wooden case and also made a .600 ring for 16 gauge. I tried making a head, not so easy as the holes for the ball bearings have to be the same as the diameter of the balls. Maybe I'll try again and this time I will use a piece of scrap aluminum.
Bill is right about using a small bore gage, I have a set when from long ago that goes to 1/2". Better using this than a snap-gage.
