In the spirit of Whitworth - What measuring tools do you use

[dromia]

Ok I give in my eyesight is getting so bad that I cannot read my old LS Starret vernier easily any more, I have a Lyman dial which seems to function well but I looking for a bit of quality kit, maybe up grade my whole measuring set.

I'm looking at Starret and Mitutoyo, any other quality brands I should be considering. I'm looking for dial calipers not digital.

Also what about good gauge blocks to check the calipers on? I'm using the block on my "V" for measuring 5 groove slugs when I got it made I had the engineer give me an accurate measurement of its width for reference.

Accurate measurement is essential to accurate and safe handloads so -

What do you use and what would you recommend?

[ovenpaa]

I have to admit I use digital as much as analogue these days.

My primary analogue micrometer is an old Johannson 0-1 that my brother gave me, he had it as an apprentice so it must be 35+years old. I use it to keep my hand in and amuse myself but it has been all but replaced by a Mitutoyo 0-6/0-150 digital vernier and even that is approaching 20 years old. I find the vernier fine for the majority of my needs. I also have a Mitutoyo analogue vernier which is very trustworthy. I use a Mitutoyo digital 0-1/0-25 that goes down to half a tenth which comes out occasionally but is far too accurate for my day to day use and Icheck everything against a set of Mitutoyo metric slips, again from my Brother on an extended loan basis.

DTI's are all analogue and are a mix of Mercer and Mitutoyo, mostly 0-1/2 and 0-1 with a couple measuring down to a tenth.

Having tried many different makes over the years my preference is Mercer or Mitutoyo for Analogue and Digital and I have a leaning towards Mitutoyo. Have a look for LINEAR dial verniers, I used one a while ago and it felt good.

[Alpha1]

I suppose it depends on the degree of accuracy you need.
I am fortunate in that in my line of work accurate measurement is a must so I am supplied with good quality calipers etc and v blocks dial gauges and such like are in abundance in our work shops.
I use Mitutoyo digital calipers (model no CD_6"CSX for day to day stuff) and would recomend them mine come with a calibration certificate to attest to there acuracy periodically they go back to be recalibrated.
Mechanical calipers I have a set made by Benson Verniers Bradford all though I am not sure they are still in buisness.www.benson-verniers.co.uk
I also have a set of Lyman mechanical calipers but the Mitutoyo digital are the ones I would recomend.
As for v blocks I can get you the manufactures details if you want.
M&W are the make of micrometers I use you can get them in imperial or metric from any good engineers supplies.

[Alpha1]

Moore and Wright are the micrometer manufacturers. They do imperial or metric.
Just checked the order number for the Mitutoyo calipers I use mostly is 500-196-20 they retail at about £85.00 they also do mechanical ones starting at about £35.00

[ovenpaa]

Just spoke to an engineering friend and asked him what he would buy if he had to pay for it, his reply was Moore and Wright as well.

[Sim G]

I'm looking at Starret and Mitutoyo,

I think I have a set of Mitutoyo verniers somewhere........

I don't use them........... because they're too bloody complicated!!! I went digital ages ago...

[dromia]

See my signature.

[Sim G]

See my signature.

Yeah, and I've seen your photo........ doesn't mean I want a beard! :55:

[dromia]

Beards have there uses, they can hide a multitude of chins. :shock:

[Sim G]

I've just had a look at them (surprised I could so easily lay my hands on them!)

They are the series 531, 6 inch. You want them sending up?