JKA-FEINTASTER

[wls1971]

I've been after a bench micrometer so have been looking on ebay for a JKA-FEINTASTER prices have gone nuts on these things secondhand, this example I followed on ebay went for £430.00 quite a bit over the odds I think.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162252947957?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Anyway whilst searching the web I found a U.K supplier of these micrometers they are £319.00 brand new in the box guaranteed, if anyone is after one of these here is the link,

http://shop.mapra.co.uk/kafer-jka-feintaster-precision-gauge---reading-001-mm-108-p.asp

Wayne

 

[dadistic]

Yeah, I think it might be time for those of us over here in the states to pick one up, the exchange rate is really favorable right now. Plus, we don't pay VAT! So, 266.60UK is $333.03 plus shipping at the moment, hard to find one used in good shape at that price. They do come up every so often though on the us bay, but I'm always skeptical of used metrology equipment, hard to tell how (ab)used a piece is and what work it might require to bring it up to snuff.

[Tmuir]

Keep watching ebay, I picked one up in July out of Germany when I was visitting UK for around £80 plus postage.

It was a BIN price and I must of snapped it up within minutes of it being listed, but I also saw one sell on ebay Australia for just under £200 just a few weeks back so bargains are still to be had if you keep a keen eye out.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131964542435?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[chadders1966]

As above I find EBay Germany a good place to look for watchmaking equipment, I got one a while ago for less than £100. I have one and a bench micrometer as I use them for different measurements - I also like buying tools ;). The feintaster is great for measuring delicate parts, but I find the micrometer better for accuracy and repeatability. Your experience may vary of course. This is the style I have as it has a table: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-WATCH-CRAFT-Micrometer-C-E-MARSHALL-Co-Watchmakerss-Jewelers-Tool/182149997911?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38661%26meid%3Df74a6c8a893041a499952583a1f881f3%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D182149997911

[JMElam]

An indispensable piece of kit, the deals can be found out there, However I have noticed people over paying quite a lot for this item. I actually got the chance to purchase Marks, it now resides on my bench and gets tons of use   

I have found this one up for auction, currently £202 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Watchmaker-tool-JKA-precision-dial-gauge-unused-watchmakers-lathe/142163332287?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D39828%26meid%3Db793c66cc6aa41e2bf16ef95fa07b1db%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D162268232302

[wls1971]

32 minutes ago, JMElam said:

An indispensable piece of kit, the deals can be found out there, However I have noticed people over paying quite a lot for this item. I actually got the chance to purchase Marks, it now resides on my bench and gets tons of use   

I have found this one up for auction, currently £202 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Watchmaker-tool-JKA-precision-dial-gauge-unused-watchmakers-lathe/142163332287?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D39828%26meid%3Db793c66cc6aa41e2bf16ef95fa07b1db%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D162268232302

Yes im watching this one at the moment my guess is it will end up at around the same as the first one so I wont be bidding on it, I will keep my eye's peeled but the option is open to buy a new one. I cant think why people are paying so much for these when they come up as an auction item. Guess I will have to get lucky and spot a reasonable priced buy it now as it comes up.

[JMElam]

The deals are there, I will be sure to post the links on this post when they pop up on my radar, Mark was very generous and sold me his for £120  

 

[teegee]

Seems like I got a good deal for once -- bought one at a watch/clock fair in Holland for 80 Euros, 5 years back

[wls1971]

Due to the very kind assistance of a fellow forum member I now own a Bergeon cased one at a very reasonable £150.00 including postage, purchased on my behalf from a european auction site .

many thanks to that member 

[JMElam]

4 hours ago, wls1971 said:

Due to the very kind assistance of a fellow forum member I now own a Bergeon cased one at a very reasonable £150.00 including postage, purchased on my behalf from a european auction site .

many thanks to that member 

That is great! Congratulations, you must post some images when you receive it. What was the auction site?

 

[rogart63]

On 11/21/2016 at 7:29 PM, JMElam said:

That is great! Congratulations, you must post some images when you receive it. What was the auction site?

 

That is a big secret 

[Watchtime]

Clearing all the boxes with tools from a heritage I bought, I came accross this one. It is a no-brand but it does the trick perfectly.....I love these "treasurehunts", every box brings new surprises...

 

[szbalogh]

 

This is exactly i wanted to ask You if this device would do the job? Just was browsing around on the bay and found a digital dial indicator down to 0.001mm accuracy for ~30 USD. It could be turned to a IKA Feintaster. It seems that the measuring poind is detachaeble so i could make a similar measuring point like on the IKA. The IKA deial showing 0.01mm accuracy, so i think the 0.001 should do even if it is not as accurate as stated. What do You think? Or someone has experience with this particular indicator? 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dial-Indicator-Gauge-Digital-Micrometro-Metric-Inch-Range-0-12-7mm-25-4mm-/262993144297?var=&hash=item3d3b9ce9e9:m:m5KZd8qX64Ejlv4_pdZqTfQ

[RyMoeller]

 

This is exactly i wanted to ask You if this device would do the job? Just was browsing around on the bay and found a digital dial indicator down to 0.001mm accuracy for ~30 USD. It could be turned to a IKA Feintaster. It seems that the measuring poind is detachaeble so i could make a similar measuring point like on the IKA. The IKA deial showing 0.01mm accuracy, so i think the 0.001 should do even if it is not as accurate as stated. What do You think? Or someone has experience with this particular indicator? 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dial-Indicator-Gauge-Digital-Micrometro-Metric-Inch-Range-0-12-7mm-25-4mm-/262993144297?var=&hash=item3d3b9ce9e9:m:m5KZd8qX64Ejlv4_pdZqTfQ

Seems like any precision dial indicator would work- it would just need to be mounted laterally.  The JKA has an adjustable table and also claw grip at the opposite end though.

[rogart63]

 

This is exactly i wanted to ask You if this device would do the job? Just was browsing around on the bay and found a digital dial indicator down to 0.001mm accuracy for ~30 USD. It could be turned to a IKA Feintaster. It seems that the measuring poind is detachaeble so i could make a similar measuring point like on the IKA. The IKA deial showing 0.01mm accuracy, so i think the 0.001 should do even if it is not as accurate as stated. What do You think? Or someone has experience with this particular indicator? 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dial-Indicator-Gauge-Digital-Micrometro-Metric-Inch-Range-0-12-7mm-25-4mm-/262993144297?var=&hash=item3d3b9ce9e9:m:m5KZd8qX64Ejlv4_pdZqTfQ

That is probably something homemade. Would be pretty easy to make if you have the right parts. Looks so simple. 

The JKA has some special ends and a litte table som you can measure the diameter. That would be trickier to make. But could be done. 

Edited June 18, 2017 by rogart63

[SSTEEL]

Bargain JKA here..

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rudolf-Flume-JKA-precision-dial-gauge-watchmakers-lathe-jacot-tool-kit-Germany-/122674604506?hash=item1c8ff9e9da:g:ZZMAAOSwB3tZpZjG

[Geo]

1 hour ago, SSTEEL said:

Bargain JKA here..

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rudolf-Flume-JKA-precision-dial-gauge-watchmakers-lathe-jacot-tool-kit-Germany-/122674604506?hash=item1c8ff9e9da:g:ZZMAAOSwB3tZpZjG

No feedback!  Be careful folks.

[chadders1966]

1 hour ago, Geo said:

No feedback!  Be careful folks.

Spot on, the photos appear to have just been lifted directly from another listing. I've seen this a number of times lately with watchmakers items listed at great prices by new sellers - buyer beware. You'd probably be covered by PayPal, but who wants the hassle?

Stephen

[wls1971]

These fetch pretty consistent prices  on Ebay about a year ago they where selling for  £200 to £250, they can be had for around £100-£150 now if any one is on the look out for one German Ebay is probably the best starting place to look they are still available brand new and cost £266.00 plus V.A.T and are made by a company called Kafer so you should never pay anything approaching that price for a secondhand one. The £80.00 one looks too good to be true and with zero feed back as well.

[measuretwice]

On 6/18/2017 at 5:02 PM, rogart63 said:

That is probably something homemade. Would be pretty easy to make if you have the right parts. Looks so simple. 

The JKA has some special ends and a litte table som you can measure the diameter. That would be trickier to make. But could be done. 

 The one shown would be very simple to make, but as you point out its missing a great deal of the Feintaster's functionality.   As well as the table,  "claw" and complexly shaped contact points, there is also the lever controlling the plunger - a very important bit of kit on a comparator.

I agree with you those extras are quite tricky.  The parts should be hardened and achieving perfect alignment so all surfaces are the same distance apart is far from trivial.   In making a gauge you need accuracy and precision, and you must work to a higher standard than .01mm if its expected to be reliable to .01mm

As for what indicator, I'd thought a mitutoyo digital reading to .001mm would be good (and I have an extra lol).  There is a convenient hole to use with a lever to actuate the plunger (as these indicators often are used on comparators) and with the press of a button you move from metric to imperial (while watchmaking might be all metric, most of other things in North America are still imperial, so for me there's an advantage in both)  You also have instant zeroing which is convenient.

I'm 60% through drawing a Feintaster with the view of making one, but secretly hope I stumble over one as there are some challenging bits and pieces.  For anyone interested in having a go at it, here's a close up of the contact points - a unique design so you can get part of say a balance staff i the V and measure the rest of it

 

 

[maclerche]

On 4/11/2016 at 1:11 PM, wls1971 said:

I've been after a bench micrometer so have been looking on ebay for a JKA-FEINTASTER prices have gone nuts on these things secondhand, this example I followed on ebay went for £430.00 quite a bit over the odds I think.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162252947957?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Anyway whilst searching the web I found a U.K supplier of these micrometers they are £319.00 brand new in the box guaranteed, if anyone is after one of these here is the link,

http://shop.mapra.co.uk/kafer-jka-feintaster-precision-gauge---reading-001-mm-108-p.asp

Wayne

 

The first you link is reading 0,001 mm. The other one is only 0,01 mm. !!!  Think thats why the price runs way up...

 

Sorry just seen that it is only the headline saying 0,001 :-) sorry

Edited September 9, 2017 by maclerche
wrong

[Sid]

Hello all,

I came across this topic and wondered if 
https://shop.mitutoyo.eu/web/mitutoyo/en/mitutoyo/1304923160849/Dial%20Indicator%20Thickness%20Gauge/$catalogue/mitutoyoData/PR/7301/index.xhtml 

this could do the job of JKA vertically?

Best,
Sid

[nickelsilver]

26 minutes ago, Sid said:

Hello all,

I came across this topic and wondered if 
https://shop.mitutoyo.eu/web/mitutoyo/en/mitutoyo/1304923160849/Dial%20Indicator%20Thickness%20Gauge/$catalogue/mitutoyoData/PR/7301/index.xhtml 

this could do the job of JKA vertically?

Best,
Sid

The JKA has two features, the table and spindles with notches which make measuring flat parts (jewels etc) and between shoulders easy, and then jaws that can "reach around" and measure behind a larger diameter. The Mitutoyo you show is similar to a Bergeon tool that is specifically for measuring behind shoulders, like when making a staff- except the jaws are completely unsuitable. I have an older version of the Bergeon and use it all the time.

 

 

[rehajm]

On 11/4/2016 at 8:11 AM, wls1971 said:

I've been after a bench micrometer so have been looking on ebay for a JKA-FEINTASTER prices have gone nuts on these things secondhand, this example I followed on ebay went for £430.00 quite a bit over the odds I think.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162252947957?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Anyway whilst searching the web I found a U.K supplier of these micrometers they are £319.00 brand new in the box guaranteed, if anyone is after one of these here is the link,

http://shop.mapra.co.uk/kafer-jka-feintaster-precision-gauge---reading-001-mm-108-p.asp

Wayne

 

To update this older thread if anyone is currently looking...as I post this, all-in to the US using Wayne's UK link above will set you back the equivalent of less than $385US while used/quite vintage models are fetching $450-$500 on the eBay.

[GuyMontag]

On 11/4/2016 at 5:11 AM, wls1971 said:

I've been after a bench micrometer so have been looking on ebay for a JKA-FEINTASTER prices have gone nuts on these things secondhand, this example I followed on ebay went for £430.00 quite a bit over the odds I think.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162252947957?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Anyway whilst searching the web I found a U.K supplier of these micrometers they are £319.00 brand new in the box guaranteed, if anyone is after one of these here is the link,

http://shop.mapra.co.uk/kafer-jka-feintaster-precision-gauge---reading-001-mm-108-p.asp

Wayne

 

 

Thanks, I just ordered one from the link you provided. With the current exchange rate it was $416 delivered to California. And you are correct, current ebay sold prices for used examples look to be around $500-$600.