<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.6000.16525" name=GENERATOR> <STYLE></STYLE> </HEAD> <BODY bgColor=#ffffff> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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)!</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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!</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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! </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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 <U>"true the drill up"</U> 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!    </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Sorry that's another topic..... but tools, quality and the know how are a premium!</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>My two cents....good luck!</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Jerry Arbeau</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A href="http://www.arbeaupiano.com">www.arbeaupiano.com</A></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>