Essential measuring tools for the home shop

[Mayhem]

OK - we have all seen the various tooling wish lists but I want to go one step further here and try to gain a consensus on what is essential over desirable.

Primarily, these are the questions I would like you to consider:

1. What are the tools you reach for first?
   
2. If starting from scratch, with a limited budget what would you buy first?
   
3. When should you consider purchasing a more specialised tool, when you already have a general purpose one?
   

Like many of you, I have basics tools like tape measures, rules, a square, a protractor, external and internal spring calipers and different types of dividers. I also have a pair of 6" digital electronic calipers, a pair of 6" dial calipers, several outside micrometers (mine cover 0-100mm), a couple of dial indicators, a dial test indicator and a set of thread measuring wires. Personally, I consider this to be a pretty standard base level inventory.

So what else (if anything) should we look toward next?

Personally, my next purchase was a set of Mitutoyo telescoping gauges for measuring inside diameters, which was far cheaper than buying internal micrometers to cover the same range. In the thread on parallels, we have heard how adjustable parallels can similarly be used to measure slots. Tips like this that can save us money.

Recently, I purchased a second hand depth micrometer as I found it cumbersome using the depth rod on my calipers but perhaps there was another alternative?

Now I know this is heavily biased upon what you intend to measure and the level of accuracy required but I hope this will develop into a useful thread.

Edit: I fixed a typo - my mics measure up to 100mm not 200mm.

[EdK]

(08-30-2012, 12:32 AM)Mayhem Wrote: OK - we have all seen the various tooling wish lists but I want to go one step further here and try to gain a consensus on what is essential over desirable.

Primarily, these are the questions I would like you to consider:

[*]What are the tools you reach for first?

My T&O dial caliper or my 6" scale. The T&O brand use to be sold by Travers Tool but I don't know if they make them anymore. It's been a great tool for me.

[*]If starting from scratch, with a limited budget what would you buy first?

A dial caliper.

[*]When should you consider purchasing a more specialized tool, when you already have a general purpose one?

When that specialized tool makes you more productive and happier.

Ed

[PixMan]

1. What are the tools you reach for first?

6"/150mm Mitutoyo digital electronic caliper is my No.1 go-to tool. I reach for it for any quick measurement. You just bought one, you'll soon see why I converted from dial to this. Easy to read, gear rack that isn't there never gets chips in it or goes out of calibration, but best of all is fast inch/metric convert and direct incremental measurements without doing math.

2. If starting from scratch, with a limited budget what would you buy first?

0-1" micrometer. I like my Mitutoyo #293-344 best, but have other Starrett & Mitutoyo "analog" micrometers for when I need them.
6"/150mm scale. Sometimes you just need a ballpark/football pitch tolerance measurement.
Combination square & protractor set. Great for quick layouts of low-precision stuff, some measurements you can do with a 6" scale alone.

3. When should you consider purchasing a more specialized tool, when you already have a general purpose one?

The minute you have extra money lying around and nothing better to spend it on!

Ok, seriously I've done that too many times and as a result have some measuring tools I've used once or less. You buy them when the opportunity is there and you KNOW you can use it. You buy them when you've had it with frustration of "making do". You buy anything and everything because you either want it or because you need it. Knowing the difference and placing value in a position comfortable to you is the key to sanity and avoiding becoming the "toolaholic" that I am.

[DaveH]

Are we talking about tools or measuring instruments?
I know there is a bit overlap in the general usage of the word tool, we however should be more specific.
So Tools - Hammer, Tap and Die set, Tapping Mallet, Drills the list goes on. Oh don't forget the First Aid Kit.

DaveH

[Mayhem]

Measuring tools only Dave. The only reason that adjustable parallels have been mentioned, is because they can be used as indirect measuring tools, the same way that telescoping gauges work.

Ken - the ability to ignore 'want' and listen to 'need' is something that is lacking in most of us I think!

[DaveH]

Sorry Mayhem and guys I should have read the title properly

"measuring tools"

I'll go back to sleep

DaveH

[TomG]

By far, the tool I use most in my shop is a pair of 8" digital calipers. I keep them on a work shelf on my mill along with a calculator and a 12" rule. There is a caveat associated with calipers though. They are difficult to use for the inexperienced. Great care must be taken to be sure the calipers are held square to the work if you expect to get reliable readings. Don't fall into the trap of blindly believing the numbers on the screen, they may not reflect the actual size of what you are trying to measure. Also realize that calipers are not the tool to grab if you want to measure closer than a couple of thousandths. The way to learn how to use calipers effectively is practice. Sit down and take a bunch of measurements until you can reliably get the same measurement many times in a row.

The second most used measuring tools in my shop, when the calipers won't do are the 0-1" and 1-2" micrometers. They are capable of measuring with a precision ten times better than calipers, especially on round parts. With a little care and practice, you should be able to measure a part reliably within a couple of tenths with a micrometer.

Darren, I noticed that you mentioned getting a set of telescoping gauges. Those are definitely cheaper than a set of inside micrometers, until you add the set of outside micrometers required to use them. It's extremely difficult to measure a telescoping gauge with calipers and I wouldn't recommend it. A companion tool to go with the "T" gauges is a set of small hole gauges. I like the ones that have a flat end so you can measure shallow holes with them.

I would consider a depth mic an essential tool. My favorite has a thin, non-rotating rod that makes it a bit more versatile than the standard round rod type. You are correct, it is very difficult to measure depths with a pair of calipers.

Another measuring tool that I would add early to the mix is a cheap set of shop grade gauge blocks. They are extremely handy for measuring the width of slots, or doing comparison measurements with an indicator on a surface plate. The addition of a sine bar with enable you to accurately set up and measure angles as well. Enco has an 81 piece import set on sale for $139.99. Of course to use gauge blocks effectively, you would also need a surface plate, a dial test indicator and a base (your magnetic base will do in a pinch).

For squaring up stock in the mill, a good solid square is essential. I have them from 2" all the way up to 12", but the 4" is the one I use most. A good combination square is also quite handy.

Anything beyond these basic tools is based on need. If I come across a project that requires a special tool, that becomes the excuse to get it, although convincing the wife of it's necessity isn't necessarily that cut and dry.

Tom

[Mayhem]

Thanks Tom, I alreay had a set of Starrett 436M mics (I picked up off of eBay for less than the retial price of the 0-25mm one) when I purchased the telescoping gauges (also off eBay for a steal).

Whilst I am sure that an inside micrometer has its advantages (range being one) my need didn't justify the additional cost.

[DanH]

Quote:Darren, I noticed that you mentioned getting a set of telescoping gauges. Those are definitely cheaper than a set of inside micrometers, until you add the set of outside micrometers required to use them. It's extremely difficult to measure a telescoping gauge with calipers and I wouldn't recommend it. A companion tool to go with the "T" gauges is a set of small hole gauges. I like the ones that have a flat end so you can measure shallow holes with them.

Tom,

I just bought a set of starrett telescoping gauges and used them to measure a hole I was boring on the lathe. I did use my calipers to measure the "T" gauge (I have outside mics but didn't use them) and wonder what the downfall is in this technique. I was enlarging the hole in a small pulley from 1/2" to 5/8". The previous pulley i modified I had to use my caliper which was very difficult to do and resulted in my purchase of the "T" gauge.

Dan

[TomG]

(08-30-2012, 01:27 PM)DanH Wrote: Quote
Darren, I noticed that you mentioned getting a set of telescoping gauges. Those are definitely cheaper than a set of inside micrometers, until you add the set of outside micrometers required to use them. It's extremely difficult to measure a telescoping gauge with calipers and I wouldn't recommend it. A companion tool to go with the "T" gauges is a set of small hole gauges. I like the ones that have a flat end so you can measure shallow holes with them.

Tom,

I just bought a set of starrett telescoping gauges and used them to measure a hole I was boring on the lathe. I did use my calipers to measure the "T" gauge (I have outside mics but didn't use them) and wonder what the downfall is in this technique. I was enlarging the hole in a small pulley from 1/2" to 5/8". The previous pulley i modified I had to use my caliper which was very difficult to do and resulted in my purchase of the "T" gauge.

Dan

Dan,

The spindle and anvil of the micrometer has larger surfaces to measure against than a caliper so it's easier to feel the ends of the telescoping gauge between them. Also, since the spindle of the mic is threaded, it won't move as you rock the telescoping gauge across it. Can you use a pair of calipers to measure a T gauge in a pinch? Yup, but you'll get more predictable results if you use a micrometer.

Tom