What Micrometer Do You Use?

[Excitable Boy]

Vernier, like most I own round and flat Vernier tools, and I believe I have been surrounded by a different crowd. I have never been around a machinist that could not measure .0001 with a standard micrometer.

And then there were the blessed, I would hand them a micrometer and something to measure, before they were through, they would adjust the micrometer to 'zero' with a standard.

F. Guffey

Having a calibration block to check the measuring tool is a good practice. Actual calibration should take place by someone in the Metrology lab, not on a shop floor. My wife did that stuff for years in Aerospace and Defense.

[fguffey]

I have a Pratt & Whitney gage that is/was an electronic gage, it measured down to .000005". I removed the electronics and then changed the gage into a dial indicator stand because it is one of the smoothest stands I own. And then there are my favorite micrometers, they are listed as indicator micrometers, to replace one would cost $600.00+. on one of the micrometers, I contacted the manufacturer, I asked them for the list of parts and picture of the drawing; and then I changed my mind. I believe I will soak it for a while.

F. Guffey

[Excitable Boy]

I have a Pratt & Whitney gage that is/was an electronic gage, it measured down to .000005". I removed the electronics and then changed the gage into a dial indicator stand because it is one of the smoothest stands I own. And then there are my favorite micrometers, they are listed as indicator micrometers, to replace one would cost $600.00+. on one of the micrometers, I contacted the manufacturer, I asked them for the list of parts and picture of the drawing; and then I changed my mind. I believe I will soak it for a while.

F. Guffey

If you want stuff to work properly at that level of precision, it needs to be stored and used in a temp controlled environment. As I recall from the old days, 68F is the most stable point for steel as far as temp driven contraction/expansion. Typically that's known as an inspection lab. At that level, the heat from your hand while holding a mic in your hand while taking measurement will throw off the accuracy. The mic is typically held in a mic stand and you barely touch the barrel to keep any temp change away from the body of the mic. The parts also need to be brought to a stable temp before truly accurate measurements can be taken. Measurement in the range of Super Mics or Indicating Mics is sort of an art, but how to get there is well documented.

[fguffey]

Measurement in the range of Super Mics or Indicating Mics is sort of an art, but how to get there is well documented

I am a fan of documentation, for example reloaders claim they move the shoulder of a case back when sizing, and the elite claim they can bump the shoulder back. I am honest, I cannot move the shoulder back when sizing and the only way I can bump a case is with a bump press, the other press is a non-bump press but if you want stuff to work properly.

F. Guffey

[FLIGHT762]

^^^^^We all knew it was coming^^^^

[Excitable Boy]

^^^^^We all knew it was coming^^^^

I guess I lost my secret decoder ring as I have no idea what you knew was coming?

[M1NM]

I'm certain you mean caliper and not micrometer. Use a cheap Harbor Freight dial caliper. It will never fail and is more than good enough for reloading. From my dad having been an aerospace engineer and owning his own machine shop I do have micrometers from 1/2"-12" and "name" 6" 12" and 24" calipers.
This really isn't rocket science so the junko Harbor Freight one is on the reloading bench.

[19K]

Super cheap harbor freight digital one. Been using it for like 10 years now.

[ar15barrels]

I guess I lost my secret decoder ring as I have no idea what you knew was coming?

Guffey talking about moving case shoulders or how he is the only person that can do something that nobody else can do.

It's sorta like the "godwins law" of calguns.
Go look that up if you are not familiar with it.

[JagerDog]

Indicating mics you say?


I raise one laser interferometer.

[ar15barrels]

Indicating mics you say?


I raise one laser interferometer.

I'll show you my $120 indicating micrometer if you show me your $120 laser interferometer.
My micrometer does not need power.
Carrying around a laser interferometer all day can be a drag.

[JagerDog]

I'll show you my $120 indicating micrometer if you show me your $120 laser interferometer.
My micrometer does not need power.
Carrying around a laser interferometer all day can be a drag.

[ar15barrels]

That’s what the help is for.

I want to work somewhere where they have "the help" and I am NOT "the help".

[JagerDog]

I want to work somewhere where they have "the help" and I am NOT "the help".

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224593941795?hash=item344ad79523:g:hYUAAOSwib9hL-IP

Fits in a "wheelie case" and weighs 25 pounds it says.

You need this.

[lakersfan]

frankford arsenal works well enough