Benefits of Using a (Digital) Caliper

[Jeff Wright]

One of my most used tools is a digital caliper that reads in millimeters, inch decimals and, most helpful, fractions. In what ways do you use yours? Here are some of mine:

1. Measure depth of holes drilled or routed.
2. Determine thickness of wood being planed.
3. Determining drill bit sizes.
4. Setting rip cut widths.
5. Measuring reveals.
6. Confirming width of cuts.
7. Setting router bit heights.
8. Setting saw blade heights.
9. Measuring actual router bit diameters versus factory advertised spec for when centering my router table Incra fences.
10. Using the caliper as a conversion tool between metric and Imperial.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Setting critical depths on spindle turnings.

[Art Mann]

Jeff,

This may be a short thread as you have just about nailed it on the first post. All I will add is that for a long time I thought precision (0.001")calipers were overkill until I began to use mine regularly. I now consider them an essential tool for precision woodworking, although I know people who do quite well without them.

[David Weaver]

I use them extensively along with a starrett straight edge and an engineers square when I'm jointing and face planing boards (with a hand plane).

Also to set the projection when putting the plane iron in the sharpening jig, measure thin cuts on the TS or anything else that precision is handy for - under 6" at least.

[James Leonard]

Quality control for CNC cut inlay parts.

I have two of the Harbor Freight 6" models, both bought on sale, both work very well.

-James

[Gary Keedwell]

They make a great wood splinter remover. :D

Gary K.;)

[Glen Blanchard]

They make a great wood splinter remover. :D

Gary K.;)

Yeah, but the most rewarding part in knowing how wide the splinter was. :p

[Harry Goodwin]

Someone on the chat suggested a site called little http://www.littlemachineshop.com/
He has suggestions on the use of a digital caliper that will have you placing an order. Harry

[Gary Keedwell]

Someone on the chat suggested a site called little http://www.littlemachineshop.com/
He has suggestions on the use of a digital caliper that will have you placing an order. Harry
I went there, Harry, couldn't find the link. Can ya help?:confused:
Gary K.

[Jeff Wright]

I went there, Harry, couldn't find the link. Can ya help?:confused:
Gary K.


Is this it?

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/Instructions/UsingCalipers.pdf

[Steve Sawyer]

In addition to many of the previously-mentioned applications, I use my calipers frequently to measure the diameter of various screws at the valleys between the thread crowns to determine the proper size of relief hole to bore. For soft woods like pine or poplar, I bore a little smaller than the diameter indicated on my digital calipers so as to create some interference and greater screw holding. On hardwoods I drill a little larger than the measured diameter; the screws drive easily and I don't run the risk of splitting the wood.

[Bill Huber]

I have not done a lot of searching but Rockler has the 6 inch Fractional Digital Caliper on sale for $34.99.

Finally, a professional-quality electronic caliper designed for all the measurements woodworking requires — even fractions! With inch/mm conversions at the push of a button. Ideal for measuring thickness of wood, dado width, depth of a rabbet or hole, and determining drill and router bit sizes.


http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17287

[Hal Flynt]

And the Little Machine Shop has 3 on their sale page from $14.95 - 24.95.

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/Products/product_sale.php

[Jim Becker]

I have not done a lot of searching but Rockler has the 6 inch Fractional Digital Caliper on sale for $34.99.

Lee Valley has them for less in their intro price...I posted about it in another thread the other day.

http://www.leevalley.com/images/item/woodworking/markmeasure/88n6260s5.jpg

$26.50 (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=56741&cat=1,43513)

[Harry Goodwin]

Jeff it is listed under tips and needs adobe acc.. to read. Harry good article on additional uses to the ordinary.

[Ron Kellison]

I picked up the LV caliper last week at the introductory price. It's a well made piece of gear for the price! Despite the never ending winters, I consider myself lucky to live in Ottawa, the home of LV Tools. Half the stuff in my shop originated from there, primarily from their tent sales and returned items which usually go for a significant discount. My last REAL deal was a Leigh D1600 (unused as far as I could tell) for $225. I also picked up the individual pieces for a complete Router table for under $200, including dust pickup and hold downs. Of course, that took several visits to the store!:D

Regards,

Ron

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

I like good digital calipers. I can't bring myself to retire my old tool set I used as a machinist. Which a good digital might do.

I have a 12" Mitutoyo that is a Vernier scale and a dial Brown and Sharp.
The dial is dust and dirt sensitive so I hardly use it. The Mitutoyo is bullet proof being hardened stainless steel too. The vernier scales never fail don't need batteries and can be dropped in a mud puddle and work great with nary but a flick of the wrist to sling the dirt off.

The Vernier scale is however, slowly defeating my eyesight. Ya gotta have magnifying glasses after a certain age.

I also have micrometers up to 6" and depth mic's and a bunch of indicators. I prefer the mic's to most other things.

Maybe I'll get on after all.