Tools you waited too long to acquire

[PaulL]

I've wanted to stumble across a dirt cheap dual scale vernier for the same reason. Not a huge fan of dials, even though I have, and use a couple. But it would be nice to have an off grid caliper that reads both. I'd just prefer very nears for that.

I've had these now for about 6 months. I use them *all* the time. They have replaced everything except the vernier micrometers when I need it really close. https://www.amazon.ca/Fowler-52-058-016-Stainless-Adjustment-Graduation/dp/B000KL2NMM/ref=mp_s_a_1_4

 

[thestelster]

My first caliper was a Canadian Tire vernier. And then 6" Starrett dial, and an 8" Mitutoyo dial. I hate dial calipers!! Crude always get in the gear train, and then it skips giving you incorrect readings and then you have to reset the zero to a different rotational position, or take it apart and try to put it right. Give me a vernier instead any day, (and at 60, a strong set of reading glasses or magnifiers!)

But I now use the Mitutoyo Absolute AOS Digimatic. I decided to get the 4" and let me tell you, I love that size! I do a lot of small stuff and trying to wield a 6" in the confines of the mill or lathe is trying at times. Also, the tail? is a round rod, instead of rectangular, so it can get into smaller holes.

I use this everday. Sometimes I leave it on overnight by accident. The battery has easily lasted 2 years.

 

[Susquatch]

I’ve had the bottom vernier one for a couple dozen years and never had to replace a battery.

Too funny!

I love Vernier Calipers too. I keep one on my range box and one on the tray top of my lathe head in the shop.

 

[Dan Dubeau]

I didn't realize they were so cheap new.....I figured I would have found one for around $20 in a box of goodies by now. Maybe I need to look harder.

I like the thumb lock like this a bit better.
https://www.amazon.ca/Fowler-52-059...15-b986-df817c8ae7d1&pd_rd_i=B00B5HOKC6&psc=1

 

[CWret]

I've had these now for about 6 months. I use them *all* the time

The fine adjustment thumb control looks awesome on your Fowler callipers. I’d really like to find that nice feature on electronic callipers.

 

[CWret]

I decided to get the 4"

I seldom measure something accurately that is over 4”.
My next callipers will be 4”.
Thanks

 

[Susquatch]

The fine adjustment thumb control looks awesome on your Fowler callipers. I’d really like to find that nice feature on electronic callipers.

Spill for a Mitutoyo Digimatic.

Worth the coin. Everyone needs at least one of these.

 

[DavidR8]

I have a Mitutoyo dial vernier caliper that is just a pleasure to use.

 

[Susquatch]

I have a Mitutoyo dial vernier caliper that is just a pleasure to use.

How does a dial vernier work David? I don't think I've ever seen one.

 

[DavidR8]

How does a dial vernier work David? I don't think I've ever seen one.

Sorry probably the wrong description.
Like this:

 

[Susquatch]

Sorry probably the wrong description.
Like this:
View attachment 42791

Yes. That's a dial caliper. It has no Vernier scale on it. That's what threw me off.

My vision is busy divorcing me, but I still love Vernier scales. They are a brilliant way to improve resolution. I fear that the day I can't use them anymore is fast approaching.

 

[DPittman]

I seldom measure something accurately that is over 4”.
My next callipers will be 4”.
Thanks

Yup I think me too!

 

[CWret]

Yup I think me too!

I may just pull the trigger on these:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00S5EFIU0/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A32NIDEAQZYLTL&psc=1

Accusize is not the least expensive - but in this case they are close (others can be found in the $20 range, these Accusize callipers are $36 less a 10% coupon)

PS - these and some others have auto shut off. I couldn’t find any 4” with the fractions option

 

[Tom O]

Looks good but I’d like to get a coolant proof one for the mill.

 

[StevSmar]

It hurt to buy these Mitutoyo Coolant Proof Calipers, but boy are they nice:

 

[CWret]

Here is some compact callipers with fractions and auto off
- Cheap (tempting)
- Carbonfiber ?
- Stated accuracy is 0.004”

Accuracy - others slightly more expensive ones are usually +/- 0.001, but most often I’m concerned about relative measurements not absolute.
The compact size is very nice.

https://www.amazon.ca/General-Tools-Instruments-1433-Fractional/dp/B002RHP7SE/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?crid=1BHPSNDSJV2SA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PqL51EVHY808ZfQDN-qlQ0KQOVQbGfZLqIVh-nwqEI9nKaRgl7K4xOSISuaJRpxTwW208WzEej_xnmwJJzrFhVK79nipDTAjWpoj-nMZ3AJGouKiA-_p5L4uMI8xC0Et_-mlQlBJ6rwI8HEHHW9ETFt5taIQXiQ5xFL4qih1C3xTDkXIMoKQkoNo2KliMVL_nookPwND0HAOyCGSvwfE_g.Ew7qKq32JFoPXssW33l7gYw5eaVa-Qsqu-OGxjkVPPQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=4%22+callipers&qid=1705433269&sprefix=4+callipers%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-15

 

[Susquatch]

Accuracy - others slightly more expensive ones are usually +/- 0.001, but most often I’m concerned about relative measurements not absolute.
The compact size is very nice.

I have zero experience with carbon fiber, but the 0.004 is a red flag to me. I can't imagine why they can't do 0.001 in this day and age. It's refreshing to see that kind of honesty, but it's almost like "I'm here to rob you."

I bet we can do better.

 

[combustable herbage]

I may just pull the trigger on these:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00S5EFIU0/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A32NIDEAQZYLTL&psc=1

Accusize is not the least expensive - but in this case they are close (others can be found in the $20 range, these Accusize callipers are $36 less a 10% coupon)

PS - these and some others have auto shut off. I couldn’t find any 4” with the fractions option

I have the same in a left hand version of this and I like it Edit The numbers are bigger than the Mitutoyo.. mostly I like using the left hand on the lathe so I don't have to reach over the bed when measuring something in the chuck. The accuracy is not as good as the Mitutoyo shown in post #347 which is my main measuring tool and the one I look for first when doing a project.

 

[StevSmar]

I wish I’d done this modification years ago:

They’re ”keyed” into the moulding of the drill and I attach them as needed with tape.

Don’t use garbage duct tape, the heat from the drill makes it a bugger to remove…

 

[LenVW]

It hurt to buy these Mitutoyo Coolant Proof Calipers, but boy are they nice:
View attachment 42857

View attachment 42858

The Coolant Proof model can be a real ‘plus’ if you are using steady coolant flow.
but,
I-Gaging Digital caliper (photo below) has large display, Metric & Imperial and automatic shut-off. This 6” (150mm) unit was a steal at C$23.00.

These calipers should be used where there is accuracy +- 0.002.
(At least that was Ex-Cell-O Inspection guidelines in the 1980s)
Tighter tolerances demanded gage blocks and an dial indicator on a surface plate.

Accuracy is more a demand of what the customers want and the mating part that it fits with.