Watts Microptic Auto-Collimator Owner's Manual

Complete owner's manual and service guide for the Watts Microptic Auto-Collimator, a precision optical instrument manufactured by Hilger and Watts Ltd for measuring small angular deflections in light beams with exceptional accuracy. This 1960 manual provides the foundational setup and operation procedures needed to master this specialized measurement tool. Covers the optical principles behind auto-collimation, step-by-step instrument setup, proper reflector positioning and technique, and detailed measurement methodology for verifying angular accuracy. Includes comprehensive adjustment instructions for critical components—microscope focus, objective focus, crosshair and target wire positioning, lamp alignment, tube rotation calibration, and scale settings—all essential for maintaining measurement precision. The practical applications section demonstrates real-world use in machine tool alignment, perpendicular surface verification, precision machine slide alignment, squareness testing of fixtures and assemblies, indexing fixture setup, detection and quantification of small mechanical movements, and flatness verification of machine tool beds and surface plates. Written for workshop technicians, precision engineers, and quality control personnel working with optical alignment and angular measurement equipment. Published June 1960 by Hilger and Watts Ltd, London.