Digital Micrometer Recommendations?

Leslie Bartlett l-bartlett at sbcglobal.net
Fri Sep 7 06:37:53 MDT 2007


I got a really nice Starrett dial micrometer at a pawn shop. Wasn't looking
for anything. Saw the thing, offered $60 for it- what I though i could
spend, and he went for it.  Sometimes there is a place one can wisely
check.....
les bartlett

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of piannaman at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2007 9:44 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: Digital Micrometer Recommendations?


Thanks for the useful info, Jerry.  I've calibrated my mechanical
micrometer, and I know it isn't dead, but I'd like more accurate readings.

Dave


icrometers 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
 
 



Dave Stahl, RPT

Dave Stahl Piano Service
650-224-3560
dstahlpiano at sbcglobal.net
http://dstahlpiano.net/





















-----Original Message-----
From: Arbeau Piano <ArbeauPiano at comcast.net>
To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thu, 6 Sep 2007 3:52 pm
Subject: Re: Digital Micrometer Recommendations?


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
 
 
  _____  

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