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what micrometer do I need?

First of all, I'm not a machinist... I primarily use these precise tools for reloading, and occasionally for some automotive work.

I've been using a Mitutoyo 6" caliper for years. A couple of people (Boyd, you're one of them) have suggested a good caliper will be more precise and consistent , especially when measuring case head expansion, and even outside neck diameter. I think it's time I add another tool to my stash, and also take the advice of 'more experienced' fella's on here, and buy a micrometer.

My question(s) is, do I need a blade mic, or a standard mic?

I was looking at this guy: http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/tools/test-measurement/Micrometers/0-1-x-00005-0-001mm-ip65-digimatic-outside-micrometer-no-spc-output-ratchet?utm_source=google_pr&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Micrometers-google_pr&infoParam.campaignId=T9F

Do I need to spend that much (unit in the link above is $135)? If a blade mic would be better suited to my needs, than I'd have to add at least $100 on top of that mic in the link above (for similar quality). I'm not really willing to spend over $150 on mic that I use for reloading!

It doesn't have to be a Mitutoyo, but really like the quality of their tools. I also prefer digital over mechanical. (I know how to use a vernier mic, but prefer looking at digital numbers)

Any suggestions/advice will be greatly appreciated :)

Walt
 
Watch eBay and Craigslist and here occasionally and you can find amazing prices. I am a fan of old Mitutoyo and old Mauser precision tools. I find amazing deals on Craigslist personally.
 
I have an RCBS ball mic... It works well, but I'd prefer digital. I'm in no rush to replace the ball mic (it's still fairly new).

I beat up Craigslist A LOT, but never thought to look for this kind of stuff on there... I'll check it out.
 
The micrometer that you posted a link to looks fine. I picked up a used SPI micrometer, that reads to .0001, at a good price, from a hock shop. It works just fine. If you get one that is used, try to make sure that it comes with an adjustment tool.

Several years back, a friend sent me a used digital mic. After I got it, I discovered why. It looked to me like someone, who surplused it out from a big aircraft company, had wanted something newer and better, so he must have intentionally backed off the nut that tightened main threads (that are built like a collet) so that the mic. would not read reliably. I happened to have a tool that fit the adjustments on the mic. and after tightening the nut to take out all of the excess play, and readjusting the zero, it works fine, but it sits on the shelf with a dead battery.

I have no issue with reading a standard mic. or vernier caliper for that matter. The trick is having an headband style binocular magnifier. I find it one of the handiest tools that I own, and keep it, so that I can easily reach it when I am sitting at my desk. You only want enough magnification to get the job done, A friend has one that has such a close working distance that I have to close one eye to use it. I have not checked, but one of these days I should try out some of the highest magnification pairs of reading glasses, that they sell at the drug store, to see if they would work.
 
Ditto the preference for quality mechanical calipers or mics. Besides the dead battery irritation, it seems all too easy to loose the zero on electronic tools. My new electronic caliper sits on the shelf while I use the trusty 6'' Mitotoyo dial. When It came time to add a 1'' (.0001'') mic it had to be 'batteryless'. Starrett got the nod. But that Mito in the link above looks killer, especially for old eyes. Awful tempting!

The old saying 'buy the best tools you can afford' applies most to measurement tools. It not just about what you need but also about what you enjoy. With that Mito caliper you might be looking for stuff to measure just for the fun of it.
 
I'm surprised to hear about the dead battery issues you guys have with electronic measurment tools. My 6" Mitutoyo caliper doesn't die! In fact, I've used it for 5+ years, and just replaced the battery because I figured it would be a good idea. One thing I know is that low battery juice can cause electronics to weird things. I didn't see anything weird, but replaced the battery just to be safe. Maybe I got lucky, and got one that's really efficient or something?

anyway, thanks for the response from everyone.

One thing I'm still not sure about, and didn't see any comments about yet... would a blade mic be worth the extra cash, or should I stick with a standard caliper (with the cylindrical posts)? Not sure if the thin blades would be worth it; looks like most are .030" thick at their contact points.
 
I would stick with a standard mic. The main reason for a blade mic, in reloading, is to be able to measure in the bottom of extractor grooves of rimless cases to keep track of case head expansion. I have gotten along fine without one.
 
thanks Boyd,

One other question for yah :)

When you adjust these things... do you just zero the contacts, then turn the body so that it lines up at absolute zero?

My ball mic (RCBS vernier) has the adjustment tool with it, but I figured it would be a bad idea to play with it :o
 
I don't claim to be any sort of a micrometer adjustment expert, but yes, that's what I have done. It can take quite bit of effort to move , and it is easy to go past your intended mark pulling on the wrench. I have found that tapping on the wrench with something like a plastic screwdriver handle will move it in very small increments.
 
"I don't claim to be any sort of a micrometer adjustment expert, but..." haha! that's pretty funny.

Thanks Boyd, I appreciate your help/advice.

Walt
 
Tozguy,

I think I'll buy the one I had posted above... I don't have old eyes yet, but I'll let you know how I like it.

I know what you mean buy measuring things when you first get a new tool! I measured all kinds of stuff the first time I got my hands on a .0001 test indicator.... pieces of paper, runout on pencils and pens, all kinds of stuff!
 
Don't forget browne and sharp. Probably the nicest, I aslo have starrett and mititoyo. The b&s mic and miti ball mic get the most use. The 6in b&s calper is much smoother than starrett or miti.
 
Anvil micrometer with variety of interchangeable pins is an extremely versatile tool.

Not like you really benefit from a digital mic. Few will have .0001 readout and you're working
in the same range of dimension for your measurements unless you are measuring a variety of ctgs and
not the same type during a given session. Digital mics are also bulky. Nice to be able to switch from metric
to inch pattern with pushbutton though. Is it worth a couple hundred to you? Mitutoyo has/had some mechanical
digital display mikes that are cool, but don't read 4 places...

Anvil mic allows you to use almost any size rod as your bearing point and allows much easier access to small bore holes. IE if you can find a pin small enough to fit the hole, can measure dimension of material between micrometer stem and pin. Not gonna get a ball mike in many small diameter openings because the ball is fixed to the mic frame and these are usually fairly thick.

I would get a decent mic stand as well; saves lots of time and false-starts.
 
Hogan,

thanks for the info. I do have a stand already, which I use with my ball mic. I can't agree with you more about getting a GOOD stand. I had a cheap one that was just terrible. Wouldn't lock down tight enough, couldn't get the angle that preferred in most cases, etc. It's hard to imagine such a simple device could be made in such a poor fashion :o

btw, I order the digital mitutoyo yesterday at about 4:00pm, and it was sitting on my doorstep at noon today. I'm still amazed at these shipping companies (UPS in this case)... that's ridiculous!
 

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