where to fid better inside/ outside digital calipers

[Steve knight]

I have these but they kind of suck if I want to really use them. it's mainly the outside I need or a digital thickness Gage.

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Measuring___Calipers___Digital_Inside_Outside_Cali pers___digital_io
the problem is either they are too small only do about .5" or they are way too expensive. I just want a faster way to measure material thickness. digital calipers work but sometimes they are a bit of a pain. the ones above you have to turn on and most of the tiem they are not on the right measurement and you have to change it then you have to turn it off or the batteries drain in a day or two.

[Bruce Page]

These are as good as it gets. B&S have the the best feel out there IMO.
http://www.amazon.com/Brown-26-Sharpe-Digital-Caliper/dp/B001BY1MIS
I prefer the old fashioned dial calipers myself.

Oops, I thought you meant regular calipers (in my machinist mind). :)

[Steve knight]

got better but for sheet stock they are not quite as practical. nice to have something that I can use one handed in different positions.
the inside outsides are easier to measure round parts too.

[Michael Schneider]

I have these but they kind of suck if I want to really use them. it's mainly the outside I need or a digital thickness Gage.

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Measuring___Calipers___Digital_Inside_Outside_Cali pers___digital_io
the problem is either they are too small only do about .5" or they are way too expensive. I just want a faster way to measure material thickness. digital calipers work but sometimes they are a bit of a pain. the ones above you have to turn on and most of the tiem they are not on the right measurement and you have to change it then you have to turn it off or the batteries drain in a day or two.


This is probably more then you are looking to spend, but if you see a tool type or profile that you like, you might google for a cheaper replacement.

http://www.thetoolconnection.com/product/spi-oditest-dial-caliper-gage-for-external-grooves-recess-diameters-thickness_20-597-1.html

good luck
Mike

[Michael Schneider]

Steve,

Question for you,

What is the geometry of the material you are measuring?

The calipers above are very useful for measuring hollow forms that vary in thickness.

If you are measuring prismatic stock (or round/elliptical stock smaller then the jaw length), the Browne and Sharpe in another post will serve you very nicely.

If you have a different need, a specialized tool will work better.

Michael


I have these but they kind of suck if I want to really use them. it's mainly the outside I need or a digital thickness Gage.

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Measuring___Calipers___Digital_Inside_Outside_Cali pers___digital_io
the problem is either they are too small only do about .5" or they are way too expensive. I just want a faster way to measure material thickness. digital calipers work but sometimes they are a bit of a pain. the ones above you have to turn on and most of the tiem they are not on the right measurement and you have to change it then you have to turn it off or the batteries drain in a day or two.

[Steve knight]

usually flat hollows and rounds. thickness is the most though everything I cut on my cnc I have to measure for thickness. Seems there is really expensive as the link above shows or really cheap or too small. a lot of times when I measure round stock it is too large for regular calipers. something digitl that can measure 1"+ would be great. spring loaded really helps out for easy measurement one handed.

[Steve knight]

This is probably more then you are looking to spend, but if you see a tool type or profile that you like, you might google for a cheaper replacement.

http://www.thetoolconnection.com/product/spi-oditest-dial-caliper-gage-for-external-grooves-recess-diameters-thickness_20-597-1.html

good luck
Mike

thats the problem really expensive like the above sample or really cheap or ones that only do about 1/2" this would be great if it could handle a bit more thickness. nice and small and easy to carry.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=digital+thickness+gage&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=5734163095663953031&ei=UtMWTbDED4a0sAOetrisCg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDwQ8wIwBA#

[Joe Watson]

Mitutoyo is top of the line (in the metal machining "world"), your gonna pay...

If you don't mind used (dial):
http://cgi.ebay.com/Federal-49P-17-OD-Dial-Caliper-Gage-2-001-F3-F4-/330494803822?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf3067f6e#ht_570wt_1141

New digital:
http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-H7977-Digital-Thickness-Gauge/dp/B000M64S3W

I would agree, digital are a pain (and only good to the 1/2 thousand (for quick inspections on metal, its a guessing game)), used to have a nice 8" Mitutoyo caliper which is packed away for a dial pair.

http://www.google.com/search?q=dial+thickness+caliper

good luck.

_

[Steve knight]

I like that one on ebay. but man I spent so much time reading a dial it is not funny. so the grizzly looks good.

[Joe Watson]

Was just getting some stuff from peachtree and came across these, thought you might be interested.

Not knowing the accuracy you are looking for; these are good for .01 and go for $25.
http://www.ptreeusa.com/layout_products.htm#1554

_

[Steve knight]

I showed I already have them. they are fine for measuring but they are kind of sucky in use. way too much time messing around with them each time I use them.