Laser Photo Tach
 

Just picked this up today. I have some other less fancy RPM tools but this one was kicking around on the SK dealers truck for awhile so he gave me a good deal.. I will try it out on some known RPM tools here like the lathe to see how accurate it is.

UPDATE!

Extremely accurate. within 1 RPM of lathe setting on every setting except the slowest speed then it was off by 2 RPM. Now who nows... Maybe this was correct and the digital display on lathe was wrong but I will give the lathe benefit of the doubt

Same thing I have been using.
Don't want to pick up the tape though in broad daylight.

I can see how that might be an issue. Figured I would try it tho since we would like to use for so many different applications. Should work fine in the shop I would imagine.

Looks like this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photo...chometer&psc=1
Or this one with a contact head.
https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-DT-623...70_&dpSrc=srch
I may have to give the first one a try.

Keep in mind.. all of these need an installed reference point. They come with reflective strips you cut and stick on. But it does work well

I bought one of those tach's several months ago and never used it until tonight. I had brought my 2072 home for some TLC. Got the tach out and checked the WOT. 3,200 rpm a little adjusting and 3,450 sounds fast enough for me. I was happy with the tach.

I've had a photo tach for several years. Mine is Blue Point (Snap-On). It will do contact, or photo and has like 4 different heads you can use. It's a pain to use in any light. A lot of time I have to paint under the tape to get it to reflect accurately. Unless I install it on a rusty pulley... rust isn't very reflective... it also isn't very good for sticky back tape, lol. I like it. But I probably use my mult-meter or timing light just as often. I can just hook them up and let them sit. The p-tach your have to hold and check. I like to be able just to look over at the digital display on one of the other two tools. Obviously, you have to use the p-tach on a diesel, or a wasted spark. Don't make that mistake boys. KT17's and the Mag18's are wasted spark. They will get ya! 7200 RPM, NO WAY! Meh. Divide by 2. :biggrin2:

tach gun
 

I wanted one with a pistol grip so I picked up this $15 cheapie on eBay. For some reason, it wouldn't power on until the new battery was replaced even though it measured OK.

I stuck reflective tape on the PTO pulley and bumped my speed from 3200 up to 3600. Seemed to work well. Lots of features but not very sturdy.

Bought from jimavionics out of New York.

How many pieces of reflective tape do they give you and are they reusable?