Caliper

[Carpdaddy]

What do you use or recommend for checking stack thickness on your lams? Been using a bargin brand caliper but seem to get different readings on the same stack most every time. I can't even get the same reading when checking one piece of glass. Think I need a new one!

[Bowjunkie]

I have dial calipers and digital calipers, cheap ones and better ones. They all work well.

Are you sure it's not your technique? It's easy to be inconsistent with them.

[BenBow]

Its easy to twist them which gives odd readings.

[Robertfishes]

I bought a new digital caliper last year to replace a "cheap" caliper that went bad.. My new digital iGaging "Absolute   origin" calipers are pretty good so far, I think I paid $40? For them from amazon. the only thing I don't like about them is there is no auto shut off, I keep a couple of batteries around just in case.. I may pick up a set of dial calipers, no batteries needed.

[Carpdaddy]

Could be my inconsistency, not as young as I once was, even got to get out the reading glasses to check it. Even I should be able to get a close reading from one single piece of glass though. I will try to watch myself closer and if that don't help maybe you all can recommend a new one.
Thanks

[Robertfishes]

Well my eyes are getting worse too..I wear 1.00 reading glasses a lot now. I have my first appointment for an eye exam in July. Then I'm sure I'll get prescription glasses after that. I guess you could measure 3 times and use the thinnest measurement..that's what I do.

[breazyears]

Get new ones... it shouldn't be hard to use calipers.

[jsweka]

Originally posted by BenBow:
Its easy to twist them which gives odd readings.

Yep!!!

If it goes back to zero each time you close them completely, then it may not be the calipers but how you are holding them when measuring things.

[Krasus]

Starrett digital calipers. Use the best

[Carpdaddy]

Well I tried and tried again, held as straight and steady as possible for me, still get different readings but it certainly narrowed the gap! Appears to be me more than the caliper and will likely get worse. I'm still going to blame the caliper some though, just a pride thing!

[talkingcabbage]

If they're plastic, it may be bending a little bit.  I had that problem with a cheap set my dad had for checking reload cases.  I got a cheap metal digital set and I love it.  Works great every time and very consistent.

[Canadian Idle]

You can pick up a 0 to 1" micrometer pretty cheap and most of them have a ratchet thimble so you get the same "feel", reading every time.  

[Robertfishes]

I'm getting a made in Japan set of Mitutoyo 505-675 dial calipers next week..they were made in the early 1990s but were "lightly" used..I have 2 weeks to check them out.

[breazyears]

Mitutoyo is the best you can get period. That's all I use.

[Robertfishes]

I got the used Mitutoyo dial calipers today, they are in pretty good shape! nice and smooth and when I checked them against my standards (0.010 up to 0.070 inch) they were dead on the money every time...I should have bought Mitutoyo's 6 years ago.

[Carpdaddy]

I'm sure those are great but they just don't fit my pocket book range, guess I am stuck with what I have unless my ship comes in. I will try and be more steady and straight with it though.

[LittleBen]

I also am blessed with mitutoyo calipers. They are one of my most treasured tools. Must be 10-15yrs old.

Started giving me trouble once, but I took me apart, cleaned me and it's been years since.

Canopyboy had a nice set of digital calipers in his shop, I think he said were relatively cheap. They wer metal frame, and we're quite accurate and nice. Forget the brand. Maybe he will chime in.

[Robertfishes]

The used Mitutoyo dial calipers were $40 and I have 15 days to check them out.  I bought almost all of my shop tools off of craigslist..

[LittleBen]

Well played. Tat is a good price.

[savage1]

I am going to a verneer where you read the large scale then the small scale. No dial or digital.
I have read they are simply the most accurate and reliable. Good one for $20-$30.

Lou