Best Caliper for Shop Use? Digital vs. Dial Caliper vs. Vernier-type

Stijloor

Staff member
Super Moderator
#51
I forgot the word "pressure" in my last posting - which makes it a wee bit confusing :)

I've always maintained that no "officially" recommended measurement pressure has ever been made for caliper measurement. Anyone that has ever used a (digital) caliper with extra long legs knows how sensitive the result is to too much pressure!
Would "Applied Measuring Force" be an appropriate term?

Stijloor.
 
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Gordon Clarke

#53
Would "Applied Measuring Force" be an appropriate term?

Stijloor.
Sure ;), if you can tell me how much it is or how much it should be. A feather falling to the gound (I just had a vision of Forrest Gump) or if an elephant sat on me?
Seriously the term is good, but should be defined for calipers - especially digital. In measuring equipment catalogues a standard micrometer is usually given as 5 - 10 N or 5 - 15 N (with the ratchet) and an indicator dial around 2 N (or less). My point is that it's usually specified and should be relevant, not least in calibration situations. Most know a small round item should be measured as close to the caliper beam as possible - not everyone does this though. The further from the beam the greater the risk for deformation due to excess pressure. Large micrometers have an extra "accuracy allowance" because of the increased risk of deformation to the "bow".
I often feel as if my "passion" for digital calipers and how they should be used, is rather like as if I was in armour and attacking windmills :D God forbid, as Denmark is the country that produces most windmills! :mg:
A caliper pressure device does exist, but this is not known by most. I don't use one every time I measure with a caliper but I do use it when I want to eliminate any doubt as to whether I'm being "honest".
 
G

Gordon Clarke

#54
"Is this thread going anywhere"? The question was raised but I'm not sure why it was asked.
Let's face it, there are arguements for and against all three types of caliper and I've given my opinion. I can't help but feel that those who are "against" a digital caliper, and by that I mean those that don't share my enthusiasm, have probably had a bad experience with one that goes back a few years :)
I remember those not too good "good old days". Moving the sliding jaw too fast showed up as "error", moisture of any kind gave problems, buttons in places where unintentional thumb contact was too easy etc. Those days are as good as extinct, although, if the caliper used is a cheap super market "bargain" then old predjuces will survive. Thee's usually a reason for the cheapest products being cheapest.
If a digital caliper is treated for what it is, an easy, reliable, versatile, electronic measuring instrument, and not as a tool along the lines of hammer, chisel, screwdriver, bottle opener and whatever, then it will do the job it was intended for. There will always be jerks that try to be macho with their tools, just as there are also doctors with a drug problems, dishonest cops and bent politicians, so the perfect world just won't happen. The rest of us (you and me) should just have an open mind and apply common sense :D

Back when in Denmark, technical schools used up to half a day teaching students and apprentices how to use a vernier caliper. Nowaday I don't even think calipers are part of the curiculum - it's virtually all digital - at least as regards calipers.

I can still calculate square root using pencil and paper, but I'll bet that those of you that have kids realise it's a lost art! :) Of course I now only would use a calculator - faster and easier.
 
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