EricW Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 I don't have one of these....yet, but since my electronic digital mic took a header off the shop bench, one of these will be coming home someday soon. When I first started out as an engineer, some of the old-schoolers took me under their wing and let me borrow their old, mechanical digital mics. I, of course, being a new-school punk had to go buy a fancy-schmancy *electronic* digital mic. As soon as I got it, I wanted to trade Darlene (my measuring mentor who ran the metrology lab) for her old mic. "Don't even *think* about it, Slick!" "Damn!" Electronic just isn't as good. You constantly have to re-zero, the batteries are always croaking, and the electronic gizmos are just...just...chintzy. I used to be agnostic about the difference between mechanical and electronic, but the electronic stuff I have is just turning out to be a total PITA. The mechanical stuff is sooooo much better. Try it and you'll see. [And yes, you can buy a Chinese one for $100 less out of Midway. But, mine's gonna be made in America. You decide which country deserves your money more.] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianH Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 Best price I've seen on that little guy there is $151. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricW Posted March 8, 2004 Author Share Posted March 8, 2004 $146.78 delivered out of the guys I linked the photo to. It'll last a couple of lifetimes for most people's purposes. Starret's dial calipers are a good deal there at just over $100. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Run n Gun Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 Old School? Digital=Old School? You’re kidding… right? With just a little practice you can read a standard vernier scale micrometer just as fast (well, maybe not to 10ths) as a digital AND save a whole LOT of money! The only time I ever liked a digital is when I had to “prove” I was right to a non-mechanical type. Ed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhino Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 So who makes a decent (useable) dial calipers for not a lot of money? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianH Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 From the machine tool dealers, Peacock is prob. the best brand within reasonable pricing here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricW Posted March 9, 2004 Author Share Posted March 9, 2004 Old School? Digital=Old School? You’re kidding… right? With just a little practice you can read a standard vernier scale micrometer just as fast (well, maybe not to 10ths) as a digital Obviously *you* can. For those of us who don't have them in our hands every day, the digital is a convenience I think is worth paying for. ======================================= Rhino, If you're in the market for a set of calipers, 6" is generally all you need for reloading. However, if you plan to use them for anything else, spring for the 8" Mitutoyos for an extra ten bucks. (At least you'll be supporting Japanese craftsmen instead of corrupt Chinese military officers.) 8" calipers seem to be a good balance between flexibility and portability. I just read in the ad Brian posted that the Mitutoyos have a ratched thumbwheel, not necessary, but a nice feature if you aren't sure how much tension is correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooter Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 I bought a 6" Mitutoyo digital calipers way back in 1998. I have yet to recalibrate the zero or change the battery. I do like being able to go between English and metric and also zero the caliper to measure differences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gm iprod Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 It's not English, it's Imperial. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhino Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 Thanks for the pointers, BrianH and EricW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigsaxdog Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 some of the best deals, at least on stuff i want, on ebay are micrometers. they got em' all, seems to good condition. got one lemon, and the guy did refund me. check it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmitz Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 Mitutoyo mic's are the best. I own one since 1994. Never had to change the battery. Use it one a daily basis! (profession&hobby) Henny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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