micrometer

[hdwarner]

How To Read A Micrometer

a nice tutorial on how to read a micrometer

[sdalcher]

Another useful tidbit is to never store the micrometer in the closed position as this can allow corrosion to form on the anvil and affect acurracy. I also like to check that the micrometer is zeroed before each use... Simply full close the mic and it should read 000. If it reads anything else, you probably have a small bit of dust, metal shaving etc on the face that needs to be wiped off. You would be surprised at how far off a little dust can put your readings. But no worries as blacksmithing doesn't create any dust or anything, LOL

[MJ Hofbauer]

As far as storing in the closed position there is even more reason not to. Any temp changes will cause the metals to expand/contract and if the spindle expands or the frame contracts more then the other the frame could warp. While one can easily zero out a micrometer, a bent frame is like to cause the anvil and spindle face to no longer be parallel. Not easy to correct, and not easy to identify (if its just a couple thousanths) without an optical flat.

-MJ

[hdwarner]

good info
thanks

[gerald]

Good idea. I don't use my "mikes" very often, so I'm going to check them when I get back to the shop (barn).

Thanks.

[Ten Hammers]

KD Tools

While in fact a caliper, not a mike, this tool has been in my pocket for probobly 15 years. Incredibly handy and accurate. Brake parts cleaner will scrub the joint when it gets dirty. I have a couple of mics in the rollaway but I seldom have need personally for that type of accuracy.

[hdwarner]

which in fact i agree the vernier scale is the same on a micrometer as your pocket caliber
just rather than rotary it is linear
i love those pocket scales , for the shop ,
great tool for sizing drills holes and such
enclosed is a little info
Reading a Vernier

[Finnr]

Since I don't work to super close tolerances a vernier is exactly right for me. If I do get into machine work though I guess I'll have to change my sloppy ways. LOL!
Finnr

[the_sandy_creek_forge]

I got the shaper in the shop this fall. It really did amaze me that 1/32" inch wasn't even considered "close" with machine tools. I guess I knew about thousandths...I just never really thought about them much. Now I find myself calipering things coming off the anvil.... where does this metal madness stop!?
-Aaron @ the SCF

[MJ Hofbauer]

Originally Posted by the_sandy_creek_forge

where does this metal madness stop!?
-Aaron @ the SCF

Hmm, when you add a Scanning Tunnelling Electron microscope and full metrology lab to your smithy?

P.S. there ARE DIY Electron Microscope sites on the web for anyone feeling really ambitious.
Rahmenlayout Schler STM Homepage