Measuring tooling

[PixMan]

OK Nicko17, first thing you want to do if you're going to be a machinist is get the names of the tools right.

It's not a "verney" you have, it's a digital caliper. A lot of people have taken to calling them "verniers" from years ago when the first calipers weren't even dial calipers, they were vernier calipers that used a 25-part or 50-part Vernier scale to measure down to .001. The next generation was the dial caliper that used an "analog" sweep-hand dial to measure. Those weren't usually as accurate as a true vernier caliper, but a heck of a lot easier to use.

Look for machinist tools on Craigslist too. I got a lot of top-quality (if older) Starrett and Mitutoyo measuring tools for pennies-on-the-dollar by using my local Craigslist, but only local in-person transactions.

BTW, the best mag base I've seen is any of the Noga brand models. They have several different sizes, but really do work the best of any I've used. FOr bores, I'd start with a set of telescopic gages. They relatively cheap, and plenty of complete sets out there. Just don't buy the cheap no-name crap. Hold out for a set of Starrett No. 579, the two-arm series. Lots on Ebay, I got my set looking brand new for $26US. The dial bore gages such as a Mahr will be uberexpensive, and should be supplied by the shop, not you. Indicators are also varied. Do you need .001" increments or .0001"? I think you'd do well with a .0005" x .030 dial. Interapid would be the best, but out of price range. Don't waste money on a Starrett No. 710. While they're OK, they're not as accurate or versatile as a good Interapid-style that you don't have to use a switch for changing orientation.

[nicko17]

Originally Posted by PixMan OK Nicko17, first thing you want to do if you're going to be a machinist is get the names of the tools right. It's not a "verney" you have, it's a digital caliper. A lot of people have taken to calling them "verniers" from years ago when the first calipers weren't even dial calipers, they were vernier calipers that used a 25-part or 50-part Vernier scale to measure down to .001. The next generation was the dial caliper that used an "analog" sweep-hand dial to measure. Those weren't usually as accurate as a true vernier caliper, but a heck of a lot easier to use. Look for machinist tools on Craigslist too. I got a lot of top-quality (if older) Starrett and Mitutoyo measuring tools for pennies-on-the-dollar by using my local Craigslist, but only local in-person transactions. BTW, the best mag base I've seen is any of the Noga brand models. They have several different sizes, but really do work the best of any I've used. FOr bores, I'd start with a set of telescopic gages. They relatively cheap, and plenty of complete sets out there. Just don't buy the cheap no-name crap. Hold out for a set of Starrett No. 579, the two-arm series. Lots on Ebay, I got my set looking brand new for $26US. The dial bore gages such as a Mahr will be uberexpensive, and should be supplied by the shop, not you. Indicators are also varied. Do you need .001" increments or .0001"? I think you'd do well with a .0005" x .030 dial. Interapid would be the best, but out of price range. Don't waste money on a Starrett No. 710. While they're OK, they're not as accurate or versatile as a good Interapid-style that you don't have to use a switch for changing orientation.

Most guys called them verniers even if they are digital , i have always though of it as a caliper like you said though.

I found those Starrett No. 579 telescoping gauges you were talking about on ebay , ill go for those. I looked up noga for mag bases , i found their site. I couldn't find any sites selling them , looked up local tool places not on the list. For the indicators i was thinking 0.0005" but i would want more travel than .030" cause i will be using it for the lathe. Are you talking about a test indicator style there? I'm talking about the regular style.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by nicko17 Most guys called them verniers even if they are digital , i have always though of it as a caliper like you said though. ......

There was a thread here a while back about this topic; the title was something like; "what do you call a digital vernier?". I have to admit in careless moments I have called them a digital vernier.

The test indicator style with only .03" of travel is fine for truing up in the lathe. The .03" is the measurement range but the stylus is on a friction mechanism so if you exceed the travel it just slips. This style is in many ways the most versatile because you can twiddle the stylus around to read in different orientations relative to the display. Its only limitation is that you cannot easily get an accurate absolute reading out of it only a relative reading.

[John Welden]

Originally Posted by nicko17 I'm new to this forum , i wasn't sure where to post this. I'm looking at buying a magnetic base + indicator and something to measure precise I.D . I asked a fellow machinist on his thoughts and he said i shouldn't buy a cheap magnetic base because they always have problems with turning on/off , and the nobs break. For the indicator he said any would work since the cheap ones are just as good.

I'd much rather have a cheap mag base than a cheap indicator. I doubt you're going to have problems with it unless it's from harbor freight or some other POS company.

If you can't afford decent tools than I'd use whatever is already in the shop or borrow from someone. If you're just starting out and probably not getting paid jack, I think it's unfair to expect you to buy a bunch of tools.

Remember that just because some dude has a big fancy box filled with top of the line everything, it doesn't mean he's knows what he's doing. Some machinists try to compensate for their suckyness by owning every tool known to man.

[nicko17]

Originally Posted by John Welden I'd much rather have a cheap mag base than a cheap indicator. I doubt you're going to have problems with it unless it's from harbor freight or some other POS company. If you can't afford decent tools than I'd use whatever is already in the shop or borrow from someone. If you're just starting out and probably not getting paid jack, I think it's unfair to expect you to buy a bunch of tools. Remember that just because some dude has a big fancy box filled with top of the line everything, it doesn't mean he's knows what he's doing. Some machinists try to compensate for their suckyness by owning every tool known to man.

I dont have a problem with buying quality tools , last thing i want is some cheap thing falling apart or not working right when you need it. True on buying a bunch of tools , i wasn't told that i had to buy my own tools. They do have tools available in the shop.