A simple dial indicating tooth set gauge using a scrap of iron and a dial indicating gauge. It took about an hour and cost less then $10. I picked the dial gauge up on eBay and found the steel for the body in my scrap iron pile.

The hit and miss, go no go spiders have worked for a hundred years but there are some advantages to the dial gauge. Only takes one tool for setting compared to a hand full of spiders. The spiders don't work on very long teeth and on some tips of small saws. There are store bought dial gauges available for about $70 but some have reported that the distance from the feet to the indicator is too short. I think the distance is about 7/8".

Rather then feet like the spiders and the commercial dial gauges have I made the bottom flat. I think the flat base may be an advantage because it eliminates any effect due little bumps, dips, holes, gullets or pits and does not hurt if the back end extends over the edge of the saw.