Digital Height Gage (almost finished)

[Chuck in E. TN]

 I have almost completed my version of a Digital Height Gage. It is based on several builds, but the basis is an unmodified Digital Vernier Caliper. I wanted to be able to remove the Digital Vernier and use it on its own.
This is the chunk of Cast Iron I was having issues with getting under the skin.
My build is based on a combination of versions by Frank McLean, Paul Pierce, and David Graves. It’s not quite finished as I don’t have the material to make the scribe point. My local Fastenal supposedly has 1/8” drill rod. I will post more pictures when it’s complete.
Pics here: http://s571.photobucket.com/user/chucketn/library/Digital%20Height%20Gage
I’ve noticed that handling the cast base still makes my fingers and anything else that touches it black. What finishes do you folks put on machined cast iron?
Chuck

[Meldonmech]

Hi Chuck
               Looks good blackened, I have blackened lots of steel but never cast iron. I have tried clear spray metal lacquer on polished steel, which protects the metal from rusting until it eventually wears thin, and can easily be removed with solvent (meths) and redone. Would keep your hands clean. Give it a go on a bit of blackened iron scrap.

                                                      Good luck   Cheers  David

[Chuck in E. TN]

Meldonmech,
Thanks for the complement, but it was just sprayed with flat black paint.
Chuck