Scrap optical comparator, what can it do?

Here's a short video to hopefully explain what you can do with a cheap optical comparator.
This one was rebuilt by me from scrap. Now fully working it is a useful addition to the shop. Not an essential bit of kit but very useful for some measurements.
Enjoy.

[@Tadesan]

Ugh. Its so good to hear you talk about this stuff. You know what youre talking about and it feels good!

[@CazualHaze]

@Tadesan.
Thanks I appreciate your comment.
Cheers

[@mcpautoparts2171]

I use one of these regular I’m grinder these make radius grinder easy , really enjoy your channel 👍

[@CazualHaze]

Cool, thanks.
What brand is yours? here in the UK I cannot find any info about this one.

[@russelldold4827]

Thank you for this series. Another use for a comparator is to verify the profile of a special cutting tool (such as a home-made gear cutter) by placing a paper drawing printed to scale on the screen and comparing the image with the drawing outline.

[@CazualHaze]

I do think the best bet if you are making one is to use a cheap digital microscope and an xyz optical stage. It would be a lot smaller and easier. However you would lose some of the measuring features because those digital scopes are variable zoom. My machine is a fixed x10.
Good luck with your build.

[@russelldold4827]

@@CazualHaze Understood. However it's more a case of "use what ya got" and I've pretty much got all the optical train. I'll look at what is available regarding xyz stages but I suspect on my budget (retired, money tight, plenty of time) I'll end up knocking my own stage up.

[@shock-eh3849]

I inherited a Microvue 400 comparitor along with a bunch of other machine tool equipment. I wasn’t sure what it was exactly but your video was very informative in helping me to understand what it is.
Thanks

[@CazualHaze]

Glad I could help! Useful bit of kit but not something you will use every day.

[@michaels1953]

Hi, I have just purchase one of these for £50. I couldn't find any info on mine. Great video by the way may I ask what camera you use? Thanks my brand is a maruzen.

[@CazualHaze]

Good stuff what model is your comparitor?
I use an old Canon 600d with the standard lens. I don't want to risk a good lens in the workshop!

[@michaels1953]

@@CazualHaze mines a maruzen, no serial number or any other info. Not as fancy as yours. Mine seems to work vertically, very fun to play with. Also thanks for the response I enjoyed the vid