12-07-2012, 10:09 PM
Tom,
A couple of comments:
You're correct in that the Swiss-made Etalon micrometers are very accurate and have a good feel. Unfortunately, the name has been sold off or something because the later ones are made in China and they're junky.
The reason I specifically went with the Mitutoyo disk mic is because they have the largest diameter anvils (20mm), and are the thinnest of them at the edge of the disks at just .015" (0.4mm).
Your Starrett 220XFL-1 Mul-T Anvil micrometer can also be used as a "mini height gauge" by simply removing the anvil completely. My dad has one too, and I use it now & then as we share tools and his shop. He also has one of the little Lufkin 1/2" micrometers, somewhat rare.
The Mitutoyo interchangeable anvil thread micrometer is next on my list to get! I'm looking, and sooner or later I'll score a good deal on eBay or somewhere else. My preference would be to get a newer one with the .0001" vernier scale or a digital electronic one. Those cost over $1000 new (with anvils), so it could be a longshot for me to get one.
I have the same 2-1/2" base depth mic, a Starret No.449, plus it's "big brother" with a 4" base.
I'll be posting my larger micrometers when I get some better photos of them.
A couple of comments:
You're correct in that the Swiss-made Etalon micrometers are very accurate and have a good feel. Unfortunately, the name has been sold off or something because the later ones are made in China and they're junky.
The reason I specifically went with the Mitutoyo disk mic is because they have the largest diameter anvils (20mm), and are the thinnest of them at the edge of the disks at just .015" (0.4mm).
Your Starrett 220XFL-1 Mul-T Anvil micrometer can also be used as a "mini height gauge" by simply removing the anvil completely. My dad has one too, and I use it now & then as we share tools and his shop. He also has one of the little Lufkin 1/2" micrometers, somewhat rare.
The Mitutoyo interchangeable anvil thread micrometer is next on my list to get! I'm looking, and sooner or later I'll score a good deal on eBay or somewhere else. My preference would be to get a newer one with the .0001" vernier scale or a digital electronic one. Those cost over $1000 new (with anvils), so it could be a longshot for me to get one.
I have the same 2-1/2" base depth mic, a Starret No.449, plus it's "big brother" with a 4" base.
I'll be posting my larger micrometers when I get some better photos of them.