MadModder
The Shop => Tools => Topic started by: dickda1 on April 28, 2011, 02:58:46 PM
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Am about to buy some hole gauges again.
I have owned a number of hole gauges over the years from the small hole variety to the telescoping kind. I can understand paying a premium price for a Mitutoyo or a Starrett micrometer or perhaps even a dial gauge. But, I have never understood the difference in quality between a $14 set and a $117 set. I must admit that I have trouble measuring better than about 0.03 millimeters using these devices. Anyone have any hints on how they use theirs?
-Dick
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>> Anyone have any hints on how they use theirs?
Badly ? :scratch:
I insert mine at an angle then tighten, then straighten to an upright position to set the width, then angle again to remove.
Never sure if the reading I get is accurate.
If anyone knows a better way I'm all ears.
Best Regards
picclock
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Dick,
It is all about feel.
Dead serious here, practice on known bore size(s) you will soon get the hang of it. :D
The difference in price is as always how well they are made. Telescopic ones -easy- allow it to open half way lock it and wiggle it, see how much it moves, allow it to open all the way - lock it and wiggle. Should not wiggle at all. Some wiggle alot more that others. Guess which are the best and cost more.
So there you have it - :D
DaveH
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Thanks for the input. I subscribe to a number of machining/tool forums, but this is where I go for information by people who know what they are doing or are trying (like me). At some point, given experience and age, I either know it or I don't for this lifetime. :D
-Didk
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Another way is to make a (or two or three) bore gauge(s) on the lathe – before you start boring. :doh:
Let’s say you want a bore dia. 1.000” make your bore gauge 0.999 – 0.995” dia.
When this bore gauge just goes in ( without wacking it ) you’re there.
You then save that bore gauge for the next time :D
This method is a lot more accurate than cheap telescopic gauges.
Go and no go bore gauges are available but can be ooooooh so expensive :(
DaveH
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Professional Go - NO Go gauges are essentially a production tool. Yes they are expensive and so is their manufacture. But there is no need for a hobby builder to make them in HSS and ground to .00001". Again I would not make them unless you want to go into a semi production of an article.
A simple and cheap and accurate method is to use internal spring caliper and a good digital caliper or vernier. Despite owning M & W ball and spring internal gauges. I generally use the the simple internal spring calipers.
What ever you use, it takes practice to get a good result.
Barry G