What size caliper?

magu

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Up until this point I have only had an unbranded dial caliper, for anything "important" I've begged and borrowed tools from some real machinist friends. That being said, I would like to buy a decent caliper to have around the shop and am stuck on what size to go with. 6" calipers are plentiful, and therefore a bit cheaper, but they are limited to... 6" 12" calipers are great, but if I'm measuring something still on a machine, I am afraid their size will become a hindrance. I am leaning towards an 8" model; while it isn't "that much more" it will allow me to measure things in the ~6" OAL range. Anyone have any thoughts?
 
My recommendation would be to save for a really nice 6" with carbide jaws.

I have several 6" calipers and an 8", the 8" probably gets used less than once a year.
 
If it were me Ied go with a 6" dial , and a 6" electronic three way " decimal, metric, fractions,
I've had an abused chi dial caliper that are every bit as accurate as my brown & sharp good ones that live in the drawer until needed
 
I never needed more than a Mitu 6'' dial but bought a 4'' electronic and then a 6'' igaging electronic just because. The 4'' is used mostly in tight quarters as when measuring work on the lathe.
 
I never needed more than a Mitu 6'' dial but bought a 4'' electronic and then a 6'' igaging electronic just because. The 4'' is used mostly in tight quarters as when measuring work on the lathe.

I'm with Tozguy. I use a 6" calipers the most, a 4" for lathe work and a 12" Mitutoyo for when I have to measure backing plates and such on the lathe. I prefer analog/dial calipers or vernier calipers.
 
I have a 6"caliper with every machine. Two for the main lathe (left & right). Cheapie electronic.
Save your money for micrometers.
 
I have 6" and 12" digital and 6" dial types. I definitely need to get a 4" for work on the mini lathe and mini mill. I sometimes need to do acrobatic contortions to read the 6" on parts still in the lathe. Aint good for an old man to do. Love the Mitutoyo's and the Shars Aventor 12" is also very nice. The I'gaging 6" is a keeper too.

Roy
 
I still use the 6" Mitutoyo dial calipers I bought new in 1981 every single day. I have a couple sets of digitals (very old 8" and newer 6") that I only break out if I need quick metric readings (I.E. Never). I also have a Mitutoyo 12" dial caliper and an import 24" caliper. Cheap digital calipers are great for cutting up to make into readouts for mill spindles and lathe tailstocks. Batteries never go dead in a dial caliper and when I need 4 place accuracy I switch to micrometers.
 
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