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Calipers

Sniper338

Electronic or manuel?

Mitutoyo or starett?

Or cheap frankfort arsenal electronic?

How big is the quality difference from cheap to expensive? Are cheap ones just as accurate? I never see this discussed...
 
I can't afford a high dollar Mitsu or Starret. Lord knows they are worth it. I have a 2 cheaper digitals. Work fine for my needs. I do own a Starret spring loaded center punch. Good stuff.
 
I have a good starret 6" dial I got a few years ago with my 24th addition machinery hand book that still work great but I dont use them much since I got the 8" mitutoyo ones I use most they can all work good as long as you have a standard to verify them with and know what you are getting when you make a measurement
 
Frankfort dial calipers are just fine unless you're chasing 1/10's of thous, I don't see the point for most reloading.
No bloody batteries so just works.
They are cheap and the finish on them is nothing to right home about and ya don't need glasses to read them like old school verniers.
 
Mit. Dial, and Mit analog mics. I don't know if they are the best, but I do know they read what they should on all my gauge equipment.
 
Bc'z said:
Who you telling? I've snagged the batteries out of bore sighter.
Generally mumbling self your a dumb ass.
Click to expand...
Been there before stealing them out of the mic for the calliper or calliper for the mic.
I found that they last just as long leaving them on if not longer with my mitutoyo's
 
I use a Starret electronic caliper with a cheap Harbor Freight unit as a back up. I have checked and they both read the same. The Starret has a nicer feel and seems to be a little easier to use consistently. Both of mine turn themselves off so batteries seem to last forever and the Starret starts getting a little quirky before they die completely.
 
Sniper338 said:
Electronic or manuel?

Mitutoyo or starett?

Or cheap frankfort arsenal electronic?

How big is the quality difference from cheap to expensive? Are cheap ones just as accurate? I never see this discussed...
Click to expand...

This is the same type of question regarding quality and method of working. We seem to want to apply it to every category of tool or component we run across. And this is fine because we want input from the experience of others so we don't waste our money buying something inappropriate.

The basic answer is simple, choose the tool quality which suits your budget and your own personal sensitivity to accuracy. The cheapest calipers or micrometers do not have to pass the more stringent testing that the better known name brands do. They also don't have warranties or do any major advertising. So their cost is significantly reduces.

For most reloading, +/- 0.001 is plenty good. You just don't need tenths or better resolution.

I use Mitutoyo for almost all of my measuring tools since I'm familiar with their products and I can get service at almost any time if I need it. You will get no service on the least expensive tools so they become a disposable commodity. When they stop working, you replace them.

I quit using Starrett years ago because of the price, and now because they are making some things in China. Overpriced, under delivered.

Use your best judgement as to what you really need and buy the best you want to afford.

Enjoy the process!
 
I have Lyman dial and FA digital. I use one to double check the other and they're on the money and work for me. I'm not putting together a rocket engine.
 
Keep in mind what this tool is and its limitations. Calipers are not a tool made to measure as precisely as is a micrometer. Even expensive ones don't compare with a decent mic and the cheap digital calipers today can hold about the same as expensive ones. I believe in buying quality and I have Mits, Starretts, as well as B&S calipers, too. For me, and what I use calipers to do, the cheaper ones have proven to be more than sufficient.

The same rule applies to cheap and high end calipers. Basically, if what you need is to be within a thou or so, calipers are great. If you need better, it's time to use a good quality micrometer. Don't cut corners on the mic and keep them in calibration...Check them regularly using mic standards to measure. Best to do so with different length gages and at 68-72°. If you have standards, use them to check your calipers and against your mics. If you don't have them...http://www.starrett.com/metrology/p...-tools/micrometers/Micrometer-Standards/S234C

When you check your calipers, do so at different places along the blades. It'll likely be a bit different at middle that the ends. This difference is the biggest difference in cheap and high end calipers.
 
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Bc'z said:
So after a year of reading all the information on metallurgy/annealing, weighing to .01gr,
discussion of barometric pressure, weather conditions affecting flight, time of flight, point of impact on long range targets and the such.
Topics of chamber pressure, burn rates, ballistic coefficient projectiles.
Scales tuned by a physics professor.

And now you tell me it's not rocket science!!

Now I'm really confused.
Just having fun with it, trying to lighten up a little.
Click to expand...
Calipers have their place, for sure. I use them constantly, it seems like. They just aren't the right tool for rocket surgery.;)
 
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