A simple dial indicating tooth set gauge using a scrap of iron and a dial indicating gauge. It took about an hour and cost less then $10. I picked the dial gauge up on eBay and found the steel for the body in my scrap iron pile.
The hit and miss, go no go spiders have worked for a hundred years but there are some advantages to the dial gauge. Only takes one tool for setting compared to a hand full of spiders. The spiders don't work on very long teeth and on some tips of small saws. There are store bought dial gauges available for about $70 but some have reported that the distance from the feet to the indicator is too short. I think the distance is about 7/8".
Rather then feet like the spiders and the commercial dial gauges have I made the bottom flat. I think the flat base may be an advantage because it eliminates any effect due little bumps, dips, holes, gullets or pits and does not hurt if the back end extends over the edge of the saw.
Gauge in Use
Details
Any of these scrap pieces could be used for the body
Brian, For the bottom surface I placed a piece of sand paper on a perfectly flat surface worked the gauge back and forth. That removed any small imperfections on the base. I did not paint the base but do use paste wax on it occasionally so it will not rust. I also use the paste wax (Johnson's Paste Wax) on my saws and many other tools to prevent rust.
Brian
04-Feb-2019 03:00
You mention making the bottom that rests against the saw flat. What do you mean by that? What keeps it from rusting?