Neck thickness measuring tool?

[mikecr]

A couple case mouth stops made for different mics:

 

[dogdude]

I've have what mikecr posted #10, I'd be lost with out it!!

 

[group therapy]

I just recently ordered a neck turning setup from PMA Tool but am now realizing that im going to need something to measure the thickness of the necks. What do you guys recommend ? Mitutoyo ball mic like the one from K&m , the Sinclair/starett? Or something with a mandrel and dial gauge?

Thanks.

just my .02 but the starett from Sinclair (with the stand) is pretty nice. kinda makes measuring necks not such a chore, kinda enjoyable,, you know, as enjoyable as neck measuring can be. good luck, lotsa good choices out there

 

[Deleted old_dood]

You'll want to go with a ball micrometer for sure. I got one that was recommended to me as it was inexpensive and accurate. So I got this one and tested it for accuracy against a couple of very expensive ones from a machine shop and it was consistently equal to them:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01524DDIO/?tag=accuratescom-20

I've got the same one and agree. I added this to the spindle. since it's .025" I can read the neck thickness right off the rotary scale. with a stand I just measure at the center of whatever neck I'm measuring so I don't need anything additional to hold the case at any particular height.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LTHHUSW/?tag=accuratescom-20

 

[Iowa Fox]

Forster because its easy and simple for me. Sometimes I'll use a ball mic to spot check something but its to much work.

 

[Ranger188]

I have a quick question, how hard do you push against the case?
I know what ever you do, do it the same, but to get in accurate reading
do you just touch the case or wait till you feel a little resistance?

 

[Straightshooter1]

I have a quick question, how hard do you push against the case?
I know what ever you do, do it the same, but to get in accurate reading
do you just touch the case or wait till you feel a little resistance?

These micrometers are designed with the turning nob to act something like torque wrench that breaks at a certain point, where there's a limit as to how hard you will press in on it. That point for doing that is quite light and very repeatable. . . particularly if you've got a decent one. So, there's no worry about trying to feel any resistance.

 

[jackson1]

Don't believe it has been mentioned, I use a Mitutoyo Uni mic, with the 0.118" diameter anvil installed. The number on the box is 117-107, also ACM-1"V. Don't know if these numbers apply any more, as this tool was purchased pre the current century.

 

[Mikemontminy]

I made a pretty simple neck measuring tool that actually works pretty good at spot checking different parts of the neck. The mandrels are allenhead bolts turned down with a drill and grinder then finished with sand paper to fit inside the neck.

 

[dgeesaman]

View attachment 1136711 View attachment 1136709 I made a pretty simple neck measuring tool that actually works pretty good at spot checking different parts of the neck. The mandrels are allenhead bolts turned down with a drill and grinder then finished with sand paper to fit inside the neck.

I love the concept. Now a handheld version with a last-word indicator might be the ideal setup.