Micrometer types

[PixMan]

Here we go with the new section!

To start things off, I'm going to post photos of most of my micrometers and point out what I use them for and why.

First micrometer I ever bought, new in 1977. Starrett No.230RL-1, 0-1", ratchet thimble, tenths reading, no carbide faces. I use this rarely nowadays, but it's best use is to measure sharp HSS and carbide end mills because the softer anvils rarely (have never) chip the sharp edges of the tool I'm measuring.


Mitutoyo #101-117, 0-1". Carbide faces, friction thimble, tenths reading, slender frame. I bought this on sale while working on smaller parts for a living. The 6mm spindle and anvil fit into places other mics won't, and because the anvil is just slightly wider than the frame, it can get closer to shoulders and other tight part features.


Starrett No.734XFL-1, 0-1". Carbide faces, friction thimble, .00005'/ .001mm readings. Electronic digital display with analog vernier scales. I bought this for it's finer resolution. I find it is better on a micrometer stand than in hand because of it's odd shape. The tool has needed repairs to the electonics twice. Not a recommended tool, sorry.


Mitutoyo #293-348, 0-1"/26mm. Carbide faces, friction thimble, .00005"/.001mm resolution, BIG digital display with analog vernier scales, stone reliable, long battery life. A "recommended buy." It feels better in hand than the Starrett, though the newest Starrett 795 is actually easier-handling than this one.


Mitutoyo #222-125, 0-1". No carbide tips, ratchet thimble, tenths reading. Mechanical digital display with ananlog vernier scales. The tips are 0.75mm (.029" wide), making them good for narrow grooves. Also good for measuring very short shoulders, etc. While some mechanical digital counters on micrometers have been troublesome, Mitutoyo are quite reliable as long as you don't overspeed them by rolling the thimble fast on one's arm.


Mitutoyo #114-135 108º v-anvil micrometer, 0.09-1". Carbide anvils, ratchet thimble, tenths reading. This is for meauring 5-flute tools and rounds when you want a more finite reading on out-of-round condition. I snagged this off eBay for about $40 + $5 shipping, couldn't say no. Hope to use it some day!


Mitutoyo #223-125 mechanical digital disk micrometer, 0-1". I bought this for $10, but it cost me $125 to have it reconditioned by Holts Precision. Ouch. I find these indespensible for certain measurements, such as distance between grooves and other times I need to get "in-between" things. Much more reliable readings than any caliper.


Mitutoyo #111-166 spline micrometer, 0-1". Carbide tips, .0001" vernier scale reading, ratchet thimble. I bought this having used them for years when I was working at screw machine shops. It was indispensible for parts made on sub-spindle equipped machines that had counterbores on both ends of a small part, with a tight tolerance on the distance between the counterbores. I actually bought it long after I moved to a different type of job, but do use it now & then. Nothing else will do when you need to get inside a small counterbore on a part less than 1" long!




Many more to come...when I have more time.