Thread: Calipers and micrometers

I use a caliper when required.

Mathew, i always use vernier digital calipers, i take measurements of each pen kit i make, and always turn between centers. i dont use a mandrel.

I've got a couple of micrometers but use the digital verniers by preference.

I haven't turned any pens yet. But for woodturning I prefer dial calipers. The micrometer provides unnecessary precision, and digital calipers depend on quality of manufacture as well as battery life (DAMHIKT). One advantage of the digitals is the ability to change measurement units, i.e. metric <-> Imperial. Both dial and digital usually allow resetting the zero point; some micrometers do that too. The true verniers, with an extra tick mark on the auxiliary scale, are less reliable as the eyeballs age; DAMHIKT, too.

Joe

I use digital calipers. I measure the hardware to get the size and then turn off the read screen.
I turn on the mandrel with bushing until close to the mark and then go to between centre turning and use the calipers. Fine sanding down to the final size.

Terry

While I have a full set of Browne & Sharp micrometers, I prefer to use my dial calipers for convenience. The digitals are nice, but I got my dial set before the digitals became popular.

Alright, all set, I went out and bought a digital caliper. I was a little torn between the dial and the digital. I like the fact that the dial could last practically forever, and the mechanicalness of it, but in the end the digital won out, I'm sure it will be much easier and faster to use. Let's see if it helps me any.

Thanks!

Cheers!
Matthew