Originally Posted by Mcgyver  you said you're a machinist but you don’t have telescoping gages and small hold gages and mics? 
to start with, get yourself some external mics, small hole gages and telescoping gages. A mag base doesn’t come into measure ID, you'd use it to set an ID (or OD) running true in the 4 jaw for example. As Geof said, indicators are only useful for measure ID if you have a bore gage; leave that for later.
you can do almost as good a job as the dial bore gage by making stepped plug gages and measuring with a tenths micrometer. Not for production but good for a one of where you need a good fit.
Our timing is off, i just sold (cheap) some extra gages.....my preference is not to buy SPI or other offshore junk, buy quality brands usd. I saw a Helio mic (german stuff that makes Starrett and Mit look a little scruffy) sell recently for $14. Why buy the cheesy stuff when you can have the worlds best for the same money? |
First off , i just started working as a machinist in the industry. I'm only 18 right now , just finished high school. I do have some tools of my own O.D mics/verneys , others i have borrowed or the schools. Also the mag base has nothing to do with measuring I.D , i need one for setting up on lathe.
Where do you live nicko17? I'm here in Wichita KS and a person can find the best quality inspection gear for pawn shop prices. 6000 laid off aircraft workers = lots of pawn shop goodies.
I have to say Mcgyver's plug idea is good. While you make your go / nogo you can practice up on your measurement ability.
Study your machinist handbook (Bible) and follow the chapter on measurement! Any good machinist can do what a dial bore gauge can do by using their worn out old mic.s and hole gauges / with a known standard of course.
Develop your skill and improve your craft. Don't worry about any statements about being a Machinist!
They have been gone for a while now. |
I'm in Ontario Canada. We have alot of laid off people here too , thats a good idea actually. I have been checking out the classifieds for tools.