Author Topic: digital 1 inch micrometer calipers (Read 634 times)

Kragman71 · « **on:** June 15, 2003, 04:18:49 AM »

Hello,
I've decided to buy a new digital micrometer,one inch .
I fully realize that the 100 and 200 dollar tools are better,and would be a good choice if I were to use them on a daily basis.
But I'm only a Hobbiest,and only use the tool occasionally,so I won't spend much over 50 dollars;preferably around 30 dollars.
Can someone explain the difference between the mechanical and electronic versions? Is there a benefit(worth the cost) to the electronic models?
Does anyone have experience with the Midway/Frankford micrometer which seems to be the least expensive model?
Does anyone prefer the Lyman? Does anyone prefer theRCBS?
I would appreciate ane information on these tool that you could share with me.
Thanks,
Frank

The Shrink · « **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2003, 08:51:47 AM »

Frank

I would be looking at machine shop suppliers. They need to measure just like we do, or even better, and I'll bet you won't be paying as much as RCBS or Lyman.

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2003, 11:59:15 AM »

Unless you have trouble reading a micrometer or caliper the digital ones are really only fluff. No more or less accurate. Personaly I don't like the digital ones, seems every time I really need it the batteries are dead and I don't have any spares. KN

savageT · « **Reply #3 on:** June 15, 2003, 02:15:34 PM »

Quote from: Kragman71

Hello,
I've decided to buy a new digital micrometer,one inch .
I fully realize that the 100 and 200 dollar tools are better,and would be a good choice if I were to use them on a daily basis.
But I'm only a Hobbiest,and only use the tool occasionally,so I won't spend much over 50 dollars;preferably around 30 dollars.
Can someone explain the difference between the mechanical and electronic versions? Is there a benefit(worth the cost) to the electronic models?
Does anyone have experience with the Midway/Frankford micrometer which seems to be the least expensive model?
Does anyone prefer the Lyman? Does anyone prefer theRCBS?
I would appreciate ane information on these tool that you could share with me.
Thanks,
Frank

Frank,
I was raised on the old style mechanical micrometers so I feel comfortable reading the thimble lines and number readouts. However, it is wise for someone who has not used these on a daily basis to consider buying a mechanical micrometer as it's too darn easy to make a mistake.
By the way, do you have a particular reason for getting micrometers instead of dial or digital 6 or 8 inch calipers? I find I hardly ever use the micrometers anymore unless I have a very close reading (plus or minus 1/2 thousands: +/-.0001") I need to make. You see with the calipers, either dial/mechanical or digital/electronic you have instant readout that is much easier to read correctly, especially digital. You can take inside and outside measurements plus depth measurements up to the limit of the caliper length (6 or 8 inches) all with the calipers. With the micrometers, all you can do is measure outside dimensions up to one inch.

As far as what brand to buy. If I were to buy micrometers, I like American made: L.S. Starrett and Browne and Sharp as well as the Japanese Mitutoyo (calipers and micrometers). Finally, I puchased an inexpensive 8 inch digital caliper from a source on e-Bay that was Chinese. I was quite happy with the purchase. You should find that calipers should give you about 1-2 thousandths per inch accuracy which should be acceptable for most of your needs.

Jim

Kragman71 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 15, 2003, 03:18:20 PM »

Thanks,Fellas
I have used micrometer calipers for m a n y years,and was very confident with my readings. However,now I'm retired thirteen years,only use them for measuring bullets that I make. I am no longer sure of my readings;I have made at least one mistakeen measurement that I discovered. My old micrometer is at least 30 years old,so I can justify a new one. It will have to be digital.
Is the electronic type more reliable then the mechanical one?
I have a dozen shooter related catalogues,and there is 4 makes in alll of them. I would like to know if any of you either like,or dislike an individual make/model.
I will check out a local Industrial Supply House,also.
Frank

Crayfish · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2003, 07:16:15 AM »

If your looking for calipers, and not a micrometer, I have been using a set of 6" digital Mitutoyo's for at least 10yrs with absolutely no problems whatsoever. They are very repeatable and the battery seems to last for ever. I don't think I've ever replaced it. If you don't use calipers every day, digital is the way to go .... you can't screw it up!

Good luck ... Crayfish

Kragman71 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2003, 03:46:02 PM »

Hello,Friends
I just ordered a RCBS micrometer from Midway.It is an 'Electronic' Digital model.
I discovered that the 'Mechanical' Digital model does Not have the LED display that I really want. Appearantly,that is the reason for the difference in cost. The mechanical model is $29 and the Digital model is $44.
I really appreciate Midway's Customer friendly attitude and honesty.
There is a good discription of the different mikes,as well as a number of comments by previous purchesers. Some of these comments were Not to Midway's benefit,but were listed anyway.
Their attitude,plus the help that I got here,made it a lot easier to spend my money.
Thanks again,
Frank