Good Micrometer?

Whit

Whit

Joined
Dec 27, 2001
Messages
729
Can anyone recommend a good quality micrometer for a good price? I have an old one that belonged to my dad and it's in pretty bad shape. Any input on how high speed I need to get with this? Is the cheap one at Sears good enough, or do I need a higher quality machinist type? It's just for general use, making sure the risasso is even, etc. Thanks.
 
Starrett with the carbide faces. The faces won't get magnetized if they are carbide. I have also used the digital mics and I don't like them. The numbes always change depending on the amoune of pressure you apply and they need batteries.
 
If I were you (for all or most of my precision tool purchases) I would stick with the 3 major manufacturers,"Starrett" ; "Brown&Sharpe" ; or last but certainly not least "Mitutoyo".Also I would recommend carbide faces on my 1" mic for the purpose of measuring drills,reamers,e-mills etc. which can be hard on standard steel faces.Steel faces are a little smoother measuring but will develop wear over time from measuring cutting tools.I don't know what your precision tool box looks like but if you don't already have one, a 6" set of calipers might be more versatile.I have become partial to the digital style with no "rack" or "gear" style mechanism,especially working around abrasive's that are always present in the knifemakers shop.Grit can get in the rack and cause them to jump a tooth or simply bind right up.I haven't had any problems with that since buying a set of "Mitutoyo Absolute Digimatic Calipers",they have been worth every penny.Don't be afraid to drop some coin on good precision tools,they will last a lifetime if taken care of.Just for the record you have my choices on mics and calipers,if you purchase an indicator I am partial to Interapid.JMHO and no more :)
 
I agree with trapper to stay with Mitutoyo, Brown & Sharpe, or Starrett. One thing not mentioned, I would personally recommend buying new old stock, or just used in good shape and paying a few bucks to have it calibrated. Since everyone now wants digital equipment, alot of higher quality micrometers and calipers are going for pennies out there. If you have trouble finding a calibration company, let me know, had a friend in the industry, which is where all my measuring equipment came from. And calibrated gauge block sets ;) -MJ
 
Good tip there on looking for some good used equipment.Sometimes,if your lucky,you run into an old retired die maker or machinist who "might" want to part with his precision tools.Some of the best tools I have are older than I "Lufkin" brand.Picked them up from my dad and uncles.All are old german die makers from way back.You know,rotary tables and cross slides>no cnc's back then.Anyway they still function perfectly!My favorite being a Lufkin 0-6" depth mic.Smooth as silk!!
 
trapperwez said:
Good tip there on looking for some good used equipment.Sometimes,if your lucky,you run into an old retired die maker or machinist who "might" want to part with his precision tools.Some of the best tools I have are older than I "Lufkin" brand.Picked them up from my dad and uncles.All are old german die makers from way back.You know,rotary tables and cross slides>no cnc's back then.Anyway they still function perfectly!My favorite being a Lufkin 0-6" depth mic.Smooth as silk!!
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I love those guys. About 2/3 (0.666) of my shop came from old guys like that. I have a nice collection of measuring tools, nearly all bought second hand. If you look closely you can see if it's been cared for or is beat up. Look inthe classified adds for any machin tool related adds. Sometimes it's an estate sale and the folks (kids of old machinist) selling the stuff off were so focused on getting the hulking cast iron machines gone that they forget to even list the measuring stuff. Try to be fair with your offers and you can find some deals.
 
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