Digital Micrometer Recommendations?

Arbeau Piano ArbeauPiano at comcast.net
Thu Sep 6 16:52:31 MDT 2007


Micrometers originally come with an adjustment wrench that depending on the quality of the tool may or may not need re-adjustment right off the get-go. They do need rechecking/recalibration occasionally ( even the good ones)!

Just as we must check and possibly tune a brand new tuning fork to make sure it is at the proper frequency, so also are our instruments of fine measurement. I know some of the different members within our guild like to shop at the bargain tool stores, I don't think this tool is one place I'd cut corners on. I need to give the string maker exact measurements that what I tell him/her is what they make!

My micrometer and dial indicator I have always stayed with the "Starrett Tool Company". I check and occasionally recalibrate them especially if they have had some extensive use or "banging around" (I hope never to drop one!). If you don't know how, or do not have the accurate measurement blocks where with to make these measurements/calibrations tests the best place to go is to a good tool and die-maker or high end tool supplier. Either they can do it for you, hopefully share with you how you can do this or at last effort put you in touch with their calibration person/shop.

I'm an old machinist and have had some of my tools for over thirty years and they still hold up well....but again, you have to respect and take care of them so they will not disappoint you! 

Another useful tool I have not heard much discussion about is the dial indicator. It commonly sits on a magnetic base.  After first mic-ing9Measuring) a drill that it is in fact the right size (provided it's sharp and the right type drill for your job) you "true the drill up" in the drill press chuck or tool holder  to make sure it runs exactly straight(true) by using the dial indicator. If this step is not done your hole can be oversized, inconsistent and it isn't because your drill was too big!    

Sorry that's another topic..... but tools, quality and the know how are a premium!

My two cents....good luck!
Jerry Arbeau
www.arbeaupiano.com

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20070906/91524f90/attachment.html 


More information about the Pianotech mailing list

This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC