WTB: Digital/Vernier Calipers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:22:06 pm
content: I have two pairs. They're crap. One's vernier, old and abused, the other is digital but eats batteries three meals a day - no auto power off. Also it doesn't have a thumb wheel.Can anyone recommend a reasonable pair? Metric please.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:43:55 pm
content: What is reasonable$

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:51:35 pm
content: That's a fair question and the answer is I have no idea. Say, under US$150?

author: mjrandle
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:54:05 pm
content: Budget: Measumax or KinchromeQuality: MitutoyoJust depends on what you intend to use them for ... and whether others will want to borrow them!Cheers,Mike

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:57:22 pm
content: Then the answer is very easy, getthese. They will not lose the zero setting no matter how fast you move the slider. I have used literaly hundreds of these built into some of the products I make and I use them in the shop daily. I don't know if that is the very best price but it is not bad.Edit: battery (1 SR44) lasts over a year and I never turn them off.

author: Paul Moir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:59:05 pm
content: Mitutoyos are pretty much the most highly regarded, and you're in their price range.That said, no digital caliper really autopowers off anymore. They can't or they'll loose their position if you move it while they're off. They just blank the display to make you feel better. Of course, the LCD display consumes practically nothing.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 07:04:05 pm
content: These Mitutoyo absolutes remember position even when the slider is removed from the beamAs long as it has battery power it will not lose its origin setting. I found this out because I chop the calipers up to use them as a built in absolute readouts and I remove the slider from the beam while modifying them for my application.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 07:12:39 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 04, 2013, 06:57:22 pmFUCK ME!Living in New Zealand really blows sometimes. Amazon will not ship those here. Sigh. At least we have the internet these days so I'll shop around.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 07:14:33 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 04, 2013, 07:04:05 pmYouchop upan instrument like this? <shudder>

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 08:03:10 pm
content: Ordered Mitutoyo ABSOLUTE 500-196-20Thanks for your help guys.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 08:24:55 pm
content: I make these custom cases that hold the guts of the digital and a short piece of scale. There are buttons and a battery screw that go into the case. They are air purged to keep out all the grinding swarf of the machines they go on. That is a very inexpensive way to get an absolute position indicator compared to any industrial options.

author: Robreeves
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 09:07:23 pm
content: I have no idea if they ship outside the US, but Harbor Freight has all kinds of digital calipers that are super cheap. Not horrible quality. You can find articles on the web about interfacing them via RS-232 also.http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=calipershttp://robocombo.blogspot.com/2010/12/using-tis-launchpad-to-interface.html

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 11:07:27 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 04, 2013, 08:24:55 pmFrom one machinist to another, and assuming you are making that from raw material, nice machining work!How are you getting those slots in the back - slitting saw in a second setup?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 03:07:23 am
content: Thanks, yes from bar stock and a thin woodruff cutter for the slots. The main purpose of the slot is to get a flat wall behind those little .094 diameter pillars that are hollow milled. They have 0-80 tread formed holes that hold the digital guts in place. I machine the plastic housing of the caliper to fit in that cavity and have 2 delrin rails that hold the scale in location.

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 08:13:07 am
content: Quote from: apelly on December 04, 2013, 06:22:06 pmTESA || Mitutoyo...I'd say Browne & Sharpe (TESA rebadge) but my personal vernier is imperial and IDK if they're still manufactured.Quote from: Robreeves on December 04, 2013, 09:07:23 pmThat's a first.

author: deth502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 08:59:34 pm
content: vernier or digital.what about a dial caliper? the precision of a digital, without haaving to worry about batteries EVER.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 10:41:09 pm
content: Thanks, but too late for me guys. Hopefully it helps the next guy.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 10:57:50 pm
content: Quote from: deth502 on December 05, 2013, 08:59:34 pmNope. Digital readout is far more convenient to use and it also offers the null function. Is it really that difficult to swap a button cell once a year?

author: deth502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2013, 12:17:39 am
content: Quote from: Dave on December 05, 2013, 10:57:50 pmyes.yes it is.

author: Galaxyrise
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2014, 05:28:02 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 04, 2013, 06:57:22 pmWhile this advice is a year old, I suspect it's still current(though it looks like the model number is -30 now) I've never used calipers like this, and I'd like to get one... but I'm unsure between the 6 and 8 inch version. Is see you're recommending the 6, is the 8 just extra money or is it actually detrimental to have the longer one some times?

author: BillWojo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2014, 05:59:46 pm
content: As a machinist I like the 8" better and the Micy's are first class. Over that I use Starrett Master verneer calipers, easy to read for verneers and exceptionally well made.BillWojo

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2014, 06:04:05 pm
content: +1 I have a 6" and 24" of the Starrett master verniers and the 50 division vernier is much easier to read.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 26, 2014, 10:47:37 pm
content: I have one of those Mitutoyos that was linked and used it since last year. Really solid and gives me zero problems.Have the 6 inch one since I do mostly small pcb work.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 27, 2014, 01:14:45 am
content: Quote from: Galaxyrise on September 26, 2014, 05:28:02 pmThe ones recommended by Rob are excellent. I'm very happy with them.Bigger is better however. Occasionally I want larger ones, but when I weighed up the price difference I opted for 6". I'm still happy.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 04:27:39 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 04, 2013, 08:24:55 pmrobrenz,That is impressive machining!I have used many different digital calipers over the years and the one that is the best for the money really is theMitutoyo ABSOLUTE 500-196-20There is also a shorter (100 mm) and a longer version (300 mm) available from MitutoyoInterestingly, I find myself using the 300 mm long one most often.Only one problem with Mitutoyo, same as with multimeters.One is not enough and suddenly you are ending up with five.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 07:29:39 pm
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on September 28, 2014, 04:27:39 pmThanks, its a labor of love for the last 49 years.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2014, 01:26:15 pm
content: I just finished building a complete assembly that uses the Mitutoyo caliper guts in the custom cases I make. This unit holds two motorized diamond dressing spindles on a threaded wheel gear grinder. The digitals measure pressure angle and spindle spacings. These cases are a newer style than the ones pictured earlier in this thread and use the older -20 caliper guts.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2014, 01:48:15 pm
content: wow that is one beautifull piece of work Robrenz.How does the Mitutoya measure, is it mechanical or optical, so can it be used with any metal rod or does it need some carvings/etchings, i can not see exactly how it works

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2014, 02:00:06 pm
content: Thanks, the read head has a pcb pattern that slides on a pcb pattern that is under the graphic cover of the beam of the calipers. I think it is capacitively coupled. As long as there is power to the read head you can actually remove the read head from the scale and put it back and it will not lose its position, It is truly absolute position technology.I have a segment of the digital beam glued to the base pieces under the digital cases that the read head is working with. The fitting hole in the digital cases is for positive pressure air purge. These things get showered in grinding grit and that is the reason for the slanted top surface/window on the units so the coolant and grit naturally run off.

author: Galaxyrise
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2014, 05:21:27 pm
content: Quote from: BillWojo on September 26, 2014, 05:59:46 pmQuote from: robrenz on September 26, 2014, 06:04:05 pmThanks for the input, everyone! I ended up trawling ebay for an 8" Mitutoyo. It is very nice!I also picked up a Starrett for when the battery dies in the Mitutoyo and to give me increased confidence in the readings if they agree (which they do.) They're cheaper on ebay than the Mitutoyos despite being more expensive new. I really like the fine adjust on the Starrett, and that satin chrome finish is indeed quite pleasant on the eyes. Mine ismuchmore difficult to move on the bar than the Mitutoyo is... is that normal, or is that just my 1977-era instance?

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2014, 08:56:35 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on October 13, 2014, 02:00:06 pmIf you ever can make a picture would be appreciated.I know these kind of systems which are cheaper but probably less accurate, sorry only dutch but the pictures and price give a good idea:https://www.hbm-machines.com/producten/metaalbewerking/metaalfreesmachines/digitale-uitleessystemen/hbm-horizontale-digitale-linialenand you can add extra readouts for themhttps://www.hbm-machines.com/producten/metaalbewerking/metaalfreesmachines/digitale-uitleessystemen/hbm-1-assige-digitale-uitleeskast

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 04:28:09 pm
content: PicsUnder the scale graphicRead head bottomRead head top and LCD

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 04:34:47 pm
content: Thanks, looks capacitive indeed but I still wonder how they can read it that accurately.

author: tjb1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 04:48:57 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on October 14, 2014, 04:28:09 pmAre those 5 pads for the serial interface and did you purchase one with a serial interface? Might take mine apart to see if those are present.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 04:55:13 pm
content: The serial interface is always there, the access port on the case is the only difference. That module was purchased in a no interface case.

author: Galaxyrise
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 05:19:46 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on October 13, 2014, 01:26:15 pmIt really warms my heart that there is still a place for craftsmanship like this, thank you for sharing!

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 05:23:13 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on October 13, 2014, 01:26:15 pmI am deeply impressed by the quality of your work.Having done some machine work myself, I know a little bit about your work of art.What material is this made out of?Thanks for sharing these amazing pictures.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2014, 05:42:56 pm
content: Thanks all for the kind comments. The base is made from grey cast Iron. Digital cases are 6061 Aluminum. The digital buttons and the battery cover screw are Torlon. I used to use sapphire windows on the digitals but now I just grind them up from microscope slides.Here is the top dresser that goes on top of one of the spindles that mount to the main unit.

author: quarks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2014, 10:22:13 am
content: @robrenz, that is beautiful work!!!Mitutoyos are great, but I decided to go with TESA because of the CR3032 Li battery and the larger display size.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2014, 11:15:19 am
content: Thanks quarks, Tesa makes excellent products. I have several Brown & Sharp Best Test mechanical indicators made by Tesa. IMO they are the finest mechanical lever style indicators in the world.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2014, 02:38:04 pm
content: robrenz and quarks,based on your experience, I need some advise...I am looking for a new caliper with data output to Excel and came across the MAHR MarCal 16EWRi as my first choice so far.It has a wireless connection to the PC.And the trigger point for data transfer is right on top of the caliper.I know Mitutoyo also has a dataport but it seems not so easy to use it, since it has an external trigger box.And I am not sure if the TESA caliper even comes with a dataport?Any suggestions?Thanks

author: quarks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2014, 03:05:34 pm
content: TESA TWIN-CAL always is with Tesa-Link for data connection and wireless is available, but you need a receiver and software to use it (probably high priced)http://www.tesagroup.de/en-gb/products/connectivity-f20.htm