Really like this wall thickness gauge

[Ric Williams]

I picked up a wall thickness gauge from Premier Gauges that has worked out really well for me. I'm a lifelong tool junkie and I gained an appreciation for quality tools from my dad, so this thing checked both boxes. The scale gives me a direct indication of how much needs to be removed from an area to even out the wall thickness, so it's easy to zero in on the thickness. I've been rough turning a bunch of blanks and I'm able to get things a lot more even using the gauge. Granted, there are lots of ways to judge wall thickness, and I've tried several different techniques, but this was the first that gives me a visual indication that really helps. Presumably, I'll learn to judge wall thickness as I gain more experience, but in the mean time, this has been quite a help. The gauges aren't cheap, but they're made very well and I consider it money well spent. FWIW, I have no involvement with Premier Gauges other than being a happy customer. Russell Green is the very cordial owner and great to chat with if you call. I like supporting small companies that have good products, and I'll be buying more tools from Premier as finances permit.

https://premiergauges.com/ols/products/premier-gauge-large-prm-gg-lrg1

 

[Odie]

Certainly looks like a well made measuring device.

Looks like that gauge only opens to 1" wide.......is that correct?

-----odie-----

What I'm using is the Thompkins Gage'T

https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/...ckness+gauge&term=gage't wall thickness gauge

The Gage'T only opens up about the same amount, and with the complicated shapes I pursue, it is sometimes a problem. During those times, I still use my old double ended calipers.

 

[robo hippy]

I have looked at some of these fancy thickness gages, and haven't seen a necessity to step up from my D shaped bent wire one that I discovered from watching Dave Ellsworth. I use the wire that is used along the bottom of a chain link fence, maybe 3/16 thick. Bend it into the shape of a capitol D, and have the opening at the bottom of the D. Straight side fits inside hollow forms, as does the curved side. Infinitely variable... Can't beat the price...

robo hippy

 

[Ric Williams]

Certainly looks like a well made measuring device.

Looks like that gauge only opens to 1" wide.......is that correct?

-----odie-----

What I'm using is the Thompkins Gage'T

https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/87/3730/tompkins-GageT-Thickness-Gauge?term=gage't+wall+thickness+gauge&term=gage't wall thickness gauge

The Gage'T only opens up about the same amount, and with the complicated shapes I pursue, it is sometimes a problem. During those times, I still use my old double ended calipers.

The scale on this medium size only goes to 1", but it actually opens to a hair over 1 1/4". The large size gauge has a 2" scale and opens to 2 1/4". If they had a size between the medium and large one I would have bought it, but the medium has worked fine for roughing bowls up to 11" so far. I'll probably get the large size one later if I find that I need it.