projectnut
Stainless
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2006
- Location
- Wisconsin
As per the title I am looking for advice as to which caliper to purchase. I've done a search, but the newest thread on the subject is at least a couple years old. I currently have Starrett 120 6", a Mitutoyo 505-689 6", and a handful of unmentionables.
Both the Starrett and the Mitutoyo have been damaged over time. The Starrett has apparently been dropped and the gear at the back of the dial is missing a tooth, and the Mit looks like someone got it too close to an end mill in that one of the measuring anvils has a nick. I can still use the Mit If I position the work properly, but it's beginning to be a PITA. The Starrett on the other hand is DOA. I've contacted both manufacturers, and they say both can be repaired. However the cost to repair is only slightly less than the price of new ones.
I like both, but would say the Mit has a slightly better feel. I'd like to get another of the same model, but so far all the vendors I've contacted say they are out of stock, even though their websites say differently. As for the Starrett even though there is currently a model 120 in the lineup it's considerably different than the one I currently have.
The other consideration is a digital. All the unmentionables are digital, and do seem accurate. Keep in mind none are used for final measurements. I always use the micrometers for final measurements. I do like the fact that they can change from Imperial to metric with the push of a button. The possible downside is battery life. My current ones seem to last a couple years at minimum. However I've heard complaints on this board about various brands that tend to "eat batteries". I'm not sure what the expectations are, but if they do last at least a couple years I'm OK with that.
I don't need some of the features available on some digitals, like communication with a CAD system, machine, or DRO. I'm looking for a quality stand alone tool.
Thanks in advance.
Both the Starrett and the Mitutoyo have been damaged over time. The Starrett has apparently been dropped and the gear at the back of the dial is missing a tooth, and the Mit looks like someone got it too close to an end mill in that one of the measuring anvils has a nick. I can still use the Mit If I position the work properly, but it's beginning to be a PITA. The Starrett on the other hand is DOA. I've contacted both manufacturers, and they say both can be repaired. However the cost to repair is only slightly less than the price of new ones.
I like both, but would say the Mit has a slightly better feel. I'd like to get another of the same model, but so far all the vendors I've contacted say they are out of stock, even though their websites say differently. As for the Starrett even though there is currently a model 120 in the lineup it's considerably different than the one I currently have.
The other consideration is a digital. All the unmentionables are digital, and do seem accurate. Keep in mind none are used for final measurements. I always use the micrometers for final measurements. I do like the fact that they can change from Imperial to metric with the push of a button. The possible downside is battery life. My current ones seem to last a couple years at minimum. However I've heard complaints on this board about various brands that tend to "eat batteries". I'm not sure what the expectations are, but if they do last at least a couple years I'm OK with that.
I don't need some of the features available on some digitals, like communication with a CAD system, machine, or DRO. I'm looking for a quality stand alone tool.
Thanks in advance.