I have been asked what I want for Christmas..
As I dont really have any idea I thought I would ask for some precision measuring equipment..
Some micrometers, depth guage, decent vernier etc...
Obviously these are reatviely expensive so I have no idea how many people will be willing to buy me....
However, can anyone suggest what size micrometer etc I should be looking at,
What brand is going to be good and well made?
And where is best to get them?
Mitutoyo make some of the best measuring equipment that will last a home user forever. Kennedy also make some good stuff as do Moore and Wright.
Mics come in 25mm increments, 0-25 and 25-50 is are the most useful.
Any vernier will have a depth gauge on which will be more than good enough for most jobs. You can get depth mics as well, again in 25mm increment.
I would avoid buying secondhand if you want it to be accurate
quote:
Originally posted by tegwin
Some micrometers, depth guage, decent vernier etc...
However, can anyone suggest what size micrometer etc I should be looking at,
Was going to ask where to get them, bt the Mitutoyo website uk seems to sell them direct..
Now all I have to do is decide if I want a friction stop or a ratchet stop... Anyone care to suggest which one is most consistent and reliable?
When I did my machine training most of the ratchet heads had been snapped off or didnt work anway....
[Edited on 24/11/09 by tegwin]
quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
Maplins have on special offer ever once in a wile a digital verier - nice to have but useless if batteries go. I have one and may even have a gigital micrometer but use the manual ones as they are quicker and do not rely on batteries.
Its more about feel in reality as if you do a ratchet or friction quickly it will show a smaller size than if you go slowly
mind you were only talking tenths of a thou so just how accurate do you need to be?
also remember they are only correct if set to a standard at 20 degrees c and use at the same but again only talking tenths of a thou
Ray
My Mitutoyo vernier is now approaching 20 years old, and has worked consistently well. Only needed 3 or 4 batteries in all that time (common hearing
aid cells).
As a comparison with the cheapy ones, the stated battery life on mine is something like 12 months if you're good at turning it off when not using
it, or 6 months if you leave it on!
This matches my own experience.
I have used with company before:
H Roberts Metrology
www.hroberts-di.com
If you look on the Cromwell tool swebsite, they usually have special offers on measuring stuff. IMO avoid the Oxford scientific stuff, it's a bit cheap. Mitutoyo is the way forward, although cromwells own kennedy verniers are rebadged Mitutoyo.