Metalman21
Aluminum
- Joined
- May 9, 2005
- Location
- East Haven, CT
Trying to put together a decent set of tools for measuring machine work that gets me past a .001" outside micrometer and a so-so digital .0005" caliper.
I don't machine for a living, if I did I would spare no expense for what I consider essential tools for accurate work. It's mostly personal use so I can't raid the till too hard.
So far I bought an older set of 0-6" Mitutoyo outside micrometers (103-907) in nice condition that read to tenths. An Asian set of 6-12" outside micrometers (tenths), nothing like the Mitutoyos but most things I do are under 6". So I should be able to get by on outside measurements 0-12".
The problem now is what to get for inside measurements? It seems for inside or bore measurements the instruments get more diverse, complicated and expensive. Initially I thought a set of plain telescoping bore gages would be a place to start and use the mics to measure. I picked up a .312-6" set of telescoping gages cheap at a flea market but they are offshore junk.
I don't mind spending $150.00 for a good set of Mitutoyo or Starrett telescoping gages but while looking around at other options I'm considering putting the money toward dial bore gages. The question is which set to get. I read quite a bit about the various brands, the lack of quality despite the name brand, and those that say some imports are good and some are not.
I know the saying "you get what you pay for" most likely applies here. I've been searching Ebay for used but it's hit or miss and I don't know the quality of some brands I've never heard of. There was a DoAll .5-2.375" bore gage that looked like it was well made but in doubt I didn't bid.
I think what I'm after is two point measuring for general purpose. Any suggestions, comments, recommendations are welcome and I'm listening.
I don't machine for a living, if I did I would spare no expense for what I consider essential tools for accurate work. It's mostly personal use so I can't raid the till too hard.
So far I bought an older set of 0-6" Mitutoyo outside micrometers (103-907) in nice condition that read to tenths. An Asian set of 6-12" outside micrometers (tenths), nothing like the Mitutoyos but most things I do are under 6". So I should be able to get by on outside measurements 0-12".
The problem now is what to get for inside measurements? It seems for inside or bore measurements the instruments get more diverse, complicated and expensive. Initially I thought a set of plain telescoping bore gages would be a place to start and use the mics to measure. I picked up a .312-6" set of telescoping gages cheap at a flea market but they are offshore junk.
I don't mind spending $150.00 for a good set of Mitutoyo or Starrett telescoping gages but while looking around at other options I'm considering putting the money toward dial bore gages. The question is which set to get. I read quite a bit about the various brands, the lack of quality despite the name brand, and those that say some imports are good and some are not.
I know the saying "you get what you pay for" most likely applies here. I've been searching Ebay for used but it's hit or miss and I don't know the quality of some brands I've never heard of. There was a DoAll .5-2.375" bore gage that looked like it was well made but in doubt I didn't bid.
I think what I'm after is two point measuring for general purpose. Any suggestions, comments, recommendations are welcome and I'm listening.