measuring wall thickness

[Dusty Stevens]

The OP is getting three different readings with three different ball mics. And if he had the Redding gauge he would be getting one reading.

Hey if he only had one mic he would only get one reading too

 

[Uncle Ed]

And if the OP measured a feeler gauge with his ball mic and kept measuring the feeler gauge he would learn something. Meaning he would be measuring a known thickness and get the "feel" for what he was doing wrong.

I was taught to give three clicks to the ratchet for an accurate reading.

Micrometer Ratchet

Using the ratchet reduces the time it takes to use the micrometer. The ratchet incorporates a slipping clutch mechanism that prevents over-tightening and aids the user to apply a constant measuring force to the spindle, helping to ensure reliable measurements.

 

[Patriot007]

LOL, you guys scare me with those Bushings.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

And if the OP measured a feeler gauge with his ball mic and kept measuring the feeler gauge he would learn something. Meaning he would be measuring a known thickness and get the "feel" for what he was doing wrong.

I was taught to give three clicks to the ratchet for an accurate reading.

Micrometer Ratchet

Using the ratchet reduces the time it takes to use the micrometer. The ratchet incorporates a slipping clutch mechanism that prevents over-tightening and aids the user to apply a constant measuring force to the spindle, helping to ensure reliable measurements.

If you use the little wrench that comes with a mic you can set it up for 1 click, 18 clicks, or zero clicks to zero. Brown and sharpe mics do not have clicks they just slip. You have to have a gage block to learn to use a mic

 

[DJSBRS]

If you can't hold it exactly the same way every time, you can't measure it the same way every time. Here is my set up and results.

DJ
DJ's Brass Service
djsbrass.com
205-461-4680

 

[Patriot007]

If you can't hold it exactly the same way every time, you can't measure it the same way every time. Here is my set up and results.

DJ
DJ's Brass Service
djsbrass.com
205-461-4680

I love how you used the pistol case as a gauge block (stand off) in pic #1.
Thanks for sharing.
I have used a Sharpie marker to dot the case necks where I was going to take my measurement from, on real bad OCD days. I LOVE the 60* bevel Mitutoyo mic. It Really let's you take close readings up to the shoulder. Now I need to sell all of my K&M neck turning equipment and buy an IDOD neck turner.

 

[mikecr]

More problems are solved with understanding than money.

Do neck turning tools use a ball anvil or a mandril?

Necks are expanded to fit their turning mandrel, driving thickness variance outward -for turning.

You could mandrel prep new necks to 'help' with use of tubing mics/pin anvils as well.
Or, you could just use a neck mic.
This will have a ball anvil, and preferably the anvil is adjustable and the system modified or providing for desired datums up/down necks.

 

[Uncle Ed]

More problems are solved with understanding than money.

Necks are expanded to fit their turning mandrel, driving thickness variance outward -for turning.

You could mandrel prep new necks to 'help' with use of tubing mics/pin anvils as well.
Or, you could just use a neck mic.
This will have a ball anvil, and preferably the anvil is adjustable and the system modified or providing for desired datums up/down necks.

Thank you mikecr, now I know what my expander die and all my mandrils should be used for.

Some people can't read between the lines or understand sarcasm.

 

[Kittitas George]

I've bee looking for a used ball mic, all have to large of anvil. The smallest I've found is .185, too big for a 17 Hornaday Hornet. The extra steps of seating a bullet, measuring, pulling the bullet, then turning maybe is just too much. Or loading a case, measuring, shooting and trying to keep track while the gopher shooting is hot won't make it either. BUT, this is the only problem I have !!

 

[mikecr]

There was a Chinese copy of Mitutoyo 7361S, for 9x less cost:

Amazon.com

This has a tiny ~1/8" ball anvil, but it would need a better indicator and a case mouth stop for neck measure.
No problem given it's initial cost.

The Mitutoyo specs are no better. It is way overpriced.

Mitutoyo 7361S 0-0.5" x 0.001" dial depth

Tube thickness measurementThe Thickness Gages offer a quick and efficient means of inspection with their convenient grip handle, thumb trigger and spring-loaded spindle. The various models cover a wide range of applications.

placide.com

 

[Patriot007]

Give my guys a try, You can get recertified or send them your expensive measuring sticks to them for repair or recalibration. You can save a ton of money and they stand by their work 100%. No Joke, and no cheap Chinese nock offs.
Ideal Precision | eBay Stores

 

[Patriot007]

I've bee looking for a used ball mic, all have to large of anvil. The smallest I've found is .185, too big for a 17 Hornaday Hornet. The extra steps of seating a bullet, measuring, pulling the bullet, then turning maybe is just too much. Or loading a case, measuring, shooting and trying to keep track while the gopher shooting is hot won't make it either. BUT, this is the only problem I have !!

Good luck on that one. For a little round, it's like being hit with a Bazooka, when it hits them little guys.
I do not think that I even have a gauge pin that small in my arsenal. You can call K&M and I'm sure they can modify some thing for your cause. .

 

[D-4297]

If you use the little wrench that comes with a mic you can set it up for 1 click, 18 clicks, or zero clicks to zero. Brown and sharpe mics do not have clicks they just slip. You have to have a gage block to learn to use a mic

The "three clicks" aren't actually "clicks" . They're three partial rotations of the top spindle . Mitutoyo mics have a "clutch" in the top spindle , that allows the shaft to obtain full contact when closed to full pressure . Machinists use this feature to get the tenths measurement on the scale , without damaging the carbide faces of the shaft . And it does take practice to get the right "feel" when using precision micrometers . Not for the heavy-handed , and that's why "Mit" added this feature on virtually all of their Mics .

 

[FNSafari]

And don't use the thick part of the mic drum to close it on a neck, use the small tail and be gentle with it.