Must Have Measuring Tools

How about a thread measuring micrometer?I just got one,and i don't know if is better than
the wires.Surely is more convenient.I will try to understand fully its operation.
Help would be useful.Thanks in advance
Ariscats
 
Cheap magnetic back dial indicator with at least 25.4 mm of travel (I derived that by carefully measuring the distance traveled with 10 turns of the hand wheel).

Steve
 
That funny looking starrett with the taper and lines on it is. Just that . It's a Taper Gauge and its used to align machinery

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That funny looking starrett with the taper and lines on it is. Just that . It's a Taper Gauge and its used to align machinery
 
It looks like I have a long way to go with required tools. Purchasing as I can afford or need them, it will take quite a while.
 
Nobody just up and buys them all at once. It takes a lifetime to get even close to everything you will want. Take your time and get the basics, then as you see the need, add to the tool chest.
 
One thing I always make sure a new machinist trainee has is a set of feeler gages and a 1" Mic. So he can practice measuring using his mic. My Dad taught me to never look at the Mic when tightening it. I also never use the ratchet as I like to feel it. But if you are new to measuring with a mic, check a .005" feeler gage and mic it and don't look at the dial and when you think you have it right, look at it and keep checking the feel until it is the same as the gage. Be sure to the anvils of the mic are clean and the feeler is clean before making the test. Another thing I show them is when you want to run it out fast, is to roll it out or in by running it against your arm.
 
I like to clean my anvils with a clean piece of white paper. Close the anvils to just barely put a drag on the paper. If you soak the paper first with a little alchohol the crud that comes off may surprise you! I am lucky to have been in measurement science for better than 40 years and have worked with some great folks that allowed me to learn a trade that has served me well.

One thing I always make sure a new machinist trainee has is a set of feeler gages and a 1" Mic. So he can practice measuring using his mic. My Dad taught me to never look at the Mic when tightening it. I also never use the ratchet as I like to feel it. But if you are new to measuring with a mic, check a .005" feeler gage and mic it and don't look at the dial and when you think you have it right, look at it and keep checking the feel until it is the same as the gage. Be sure to the anvils of the mic are clean and the feeler is clean before making the test. Another thing I show them is when you want to run it out fast, is to roll it out or in by running it against your arm.
 
A couple of people mention the humble set of feeler gauges in passing without adding them to the list. They can be augmented for larger measurements in a pinch by the shank ends of drill bits if those haven't been burred.
 
A micrometer stand. It helps greatly if you don't have three hands.

Ariscats
 
A couple of people mention the humble set of feeler gauges in passing without adding them to the list. They can be augmented for larger measurements in a pinch by the shank ends of drill bits if those haven't been burred.
Just an off- topic thought- I worked at a shop where the serious ( microwave) machining was done in a segregated area ; they wouldn't accept even brackets,
Etc. if they weren't nominated in thou's. Note: they checked each drill they used
at the lips.........BLJHB.
 
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