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Source for Vernier calipers

Joined
Apr 13, 2017
Messages
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Location
Chelan, WA
I've purchased a few of these from Amazon and Woodcraft, and discovered they all had inches divided in FIFTHs. Anyone know where to buy a 6" model with inches in QUARTERS? And not battery operated; just manual.
Thanks!
 
I've got an ancient, but in nearly new condition, Craftsman version of what Brian shows, but it is difficult for me to read. I've got a cheap digital, but it eats batteries, and its 1/128 is just too picky for woodworking. John's dial caliper looks like an option for me to check out. But really, I've had a few of these around the shop forever, and 98% of the time they serve my purpose at the lathe.
 
I have my grandfather's Starrett pocket caliper - reads to .001" - Looking on Starrett website , appears they are now selling for over a grand a pop retail new... wonder what one from the early 1950's would sell for.....

I'll give you $20 for it! :):)

While I prefer dial calipers for measuring at the lathe,I've got some Mitutoyo and a Starrett digital, but the Starrett recently quit. And a Starrett height gauge for use at the mill - what an incredible tool!

But none of these can beat the cheap vernier calipers at the wood lathe for sizing with a parting tool. I found them on Amazon once for $4 each and bought enough to use and give to others. I never read the scale, just set it the distance or approx distance with some other tool, then lock it down. A cheap caliper without a lock wouldn't do for me, since it could move with use. I always round of the tips as shown int the one at the top.

calipers.jpg

I never use them for inside diameters but do use the depth gauge on the end to transfer measurements or check depth of holes.

JKJ
 
When doing a google search, insert the term: 1/128
That will define what you want.
Decades back Enco (now gone) offered 8" vernier calipers that had metric and 1/128" scales. I liked them so much I ordered eight. I still have them near various machines. That particular scale is my absolute favorite for general woodworking. Sure, for metalworking I've got lots of other types like digital and dial, but the vernier scale is quick and intuitive.
Look for 4-way measuring vernier calipers. That extra way comes in handy some times.

Here's a shot of the scale sample.

scale - 1.jpg
 
I prefer dial calipers, and for one in inches I love this one, easy to read down to 64ths (I have two, bought the fist about 10 years ago):


In fact, your post reminded me I meant to order another one so I did just now. (It was cheaper 10 years ago!)

JKJ
Had one like this for years, now use digital metric. I still have a Mitutoyo manual in inches and cm. I'm quite happy with either Metric or Imperial and use both a lot of the time.
 
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