Measuring apparatus for angularly adjustable support tool indexes and related methods

A measuring apparatus for measuring an angularly adjustable indexing component, the measuring apparatus comprising:

• a support fixture having a datum flange, wherein an indexing face of the angularly adjustable indexing component is axially adjustable relative to the datum flange, and wherein the datum flange comprises at least a first hole and second hole extending therethrough;
• and
• at least one displacement indicator, wherein a portion of the at least one displacement indicator is configured to be positioned to extend through the first hole of the datum flange such that the at least one displacement indicator is at least substantially parallel to a nominal centerline of the indexing face, wherein the at least one displacement indicator is configured to engage a surface of a part that is clamped against the indexing face when the at least one displacement indicator extends through the first hole in the datum flange, such that the at least one displacement indicator is configured to measure a first pivotal displacement of the part relative to a nominal position of the part, wherein the portion of the at least one displacement indicator is further configured to be positioned to extend through the second hole of the datum flange such that the at least one displacement indicator is at least substantially parallel to the nominal centerline of the indexing face, wherein the at least one displacement indicator is configured to engage the surface of the part that is clamped against the indexing face when the at least one displacement indicator extends through the second hole in the datum flange, such that the at least one displacement indicator is configured to measure a second pivotal displacement of the part relative to the nominal position of the part, and wherein the measured first and second pivotal displacements enable determination of an axial orientation of the indexing face relative to the nominal position of the part.