Description
Product Overview
Tramming a mill head, checking runout on a four-jaw setup, or dialling in a surface grinder table all share one common frustration: a flimsy mag base that creeps under vibration or a poorly articulated arm that won’t hold position once you let go of the knob. The BIG Tekusa magnetic base with articulated arm solves that problem directly — a switchable permanent magnet base gives you a solid, repeatable mounting point on any ferrous machine surface, while the multi-segment articulated arm gets your indicator exactly where you need it and locks it there. This used unit is showing its age on the base’s paintwork but remains mechanically sound and ready to earn its place back on the shop floor.
- Switchable permanent magnet base — The rotary ON/OFF lever (clearly visible and functional) uses internal pole-piece rotation to activate and deactivate the magnet without disturbing your setup. Critical when you need to reposition without bumping the workpiece.
- Articulated multi-segment arm — The accordion-style flexible column combined with the swivelling brass-finish elbow joint gives you genuine three-dimensional reach and positioning freedom. A single locking knob at the top tensions the entire arm simultaneously, so you’re not chasing multiple lock screws.
- Fine-adjust dovetail clamp — The small knurled screw clamp at the arm-to-base junction provides a last-minute fine adjustment for seating the indicator stem, letting you zero in on the contact point without re-locking the whole arm.
- Compatibility — Accepts standard 8mm indicator stems (suits most Mitutoyo, Kafer, RSK, and generic dial test indicators). No indicator is included — you’ll be mounting your own existing gauge.
- Ideal for — Tramming mill heads and vices, four-jaw chuck runout checks on the lathe, surface grinder table parallelism checks, CMM part setup, and general toolroom dial indicator work where a stable ground reference is needed.
Condition
Used (Fair Condition / Mechanically Sound, Cosmetic Wear)
The magnetic base switchgear operates correctly — the ON/OFF lever rotates cleanly through its detent positions and the magnet engages and releases as intended. The articulated arm locks down firmly with no observable creep when the central locking knob is tightened, and the dovetail clamp functions without play. The brass-finish elbow joint swivels smoothly. On the cosmetic side, the red enamel on the base is showing significant chipping and paint loss around the edges and corners, consistent with years of shop-floor use and being set down on hard surfaces — this is clearly visible in the product photograph and is disclosed transparently. There is no visible damage to the pole faces or the machined mounting surfaces of the base itself, which is what actually matters for magnetic holding force and stability. The articulated arm sections show minor surface marks consistent with normal handling but no cracks, deformation, or stripped threads. The cosmetic wear on the body does not affect magnetic holding performance, arm rigidity, or indicator positioning accuracy. As with any used mag base, it is recommended you verify holding force on your specific machine surface before relying on it for a critical setup — a quick pull-test on your mill table or surface plate will confirm it’s fit for purpose.
Included:
- 1 x BIG Tekusa Articulated Arm Magnetic Base (switchable permanent magnet, multi-segment arm, fine-adjust clamp)
Not included: Dial indicator / dial test indicator, carrying case or storage box.
Brand Information
BIG Tekusa (marketed under the BIG KAISER / BIG Daishowa family of brands in some markets, distributed as Tekusa in others) is a Japanese industrial tooling manufacturer with strong roots in precision workholding, toolholding, and measurement accessories. Japanese-manufactured metrology accessories from this segment sit comfortably alongside recognised names such as Noga, Mitutoyo, and RSK in terms of construction quality and magnetic base engineering. Japanese origin is a genuine indicator of quality here — consistent machining tolerances, reliable magnet assemblies, and arm components that hold calibration over years of use rather than months.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | BIG Tekusa |
| Type | Switchable Permanent Magnet Base with Articulated Arm |
| Arm Reach (nominal) | Approx. 300mm total reach (as listed — verify against your application) |
| Magnet Activation | Rotary ON/OFF lever (switchable permanent magnet) |
| Arm Style | Multi-segment articulated flexible column with swivel elbow joint |
| Locking Mechanism | Single central locking knob (tensions full arm simultaneously) + fine-adjust dovetail clamp |
| Indicator Stem Compatibility | 8mm standard stem (suits most dial indicators and dial test indicators) |
| Base Material / Construction | Cast body, painted red enamel finish, ferrous pole faces |
| Arm Finish | Brass-anodised / gold finish elbow, black articulated segments |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Condition | Used — Fair. Mechanically sound; significant cosmetic paint chipping on base body. |
| Included Items | Magnetic base with articulated arm only |
| Not Included | Dial indicator, case |
Keywords
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