The dial caliper's fourth dimension

[mn pete]

OK, so be honest...how many of you knew about this fourth way to measure using your dial calipers? Until Andy Chidwick described it at the Woodworking Show here in Denver I never knew. The instructions that came with my calipers don't even mention it!

http://secondwindworkshop.blogspot.com/ ... nsion.html

 

[Racers]

Hi, Pete

I didn't know that! thanks for passing it on.

Pete

 

[Lee J]

I need to get a dial caliper. the digital ones just don't feel the same.

 

[CHJ]

Applies to most reasonable quality vernier calipers not just the dial variety.

Easier to reference than the depth end protrusion on some tasks.

I say reasonable, I would check very cheap market stall pocket versions to make sure.

 

[woodaxed]

I did know that tbh i thought everyone did was shown it by my father a long time ago

 

[Paul Chapman]

I've given up on my digital one - in an unheated workshop the batteries don't last long and the readings are all over the place. Always use a dial one now.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[CHJ]

I need to get a dial caliper. the digital ones just don't feel the same.

Certainly easier to read than a Standard vernier caliper and more than accurate enough at a quick glance for wood work.

But the Digital versions are certainly easier on the brain cells when it comes to converting metric to imperial.

 

[Lee J]

I'll look for a metric version as I can work in both inches and mm's but I just find mm's easier to work with.

What sort of price would I be looking at for a decent set? £30 ?

 

[Racers]

Hi, Paul

I was having problems with mine, until I noticed a depression in the lid foam caused by the on/off button, cutting a square out solved the problem completely.

Pete

 

[Racers]

Hi, Lee

You have just missed the Aldi Digital ones £8.99! aldi-calipers-t68004.html

Pete

 

[Paul Chapman]

Hi, Paul

I was having problems with mine, until I noticed a depression in the lid foam caused by the on/off button, cutting a square out solved the problem completely.

Pete

Thanks, Pete, I'll try that.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[AndyT]

I'm not convinced by his example of measuring the diameters of some dowelling and some test holes - I'd have just tried the dowel in the hole to see how well it fitted. No numbers needed!

 

[JakeS]

I'm not convinced by his example of measuring the diameters of some dowelling and some test holes - I'd have just tried the dowel in the hole to see how well it fitted. No numbers needed!

I did something quite similar recently while making a rounded cut-out on the inside of a wooden clamp to go around a pole. The pole was attached to my girlfriend's desk upstairs, and I doubt she'd have appreciated me lugging the bandsaw and sanding stuff up to the study to constantly test-fit!

 

[AndyT]

I'm not convinced by his example of measuring the diameters of some dowelling and some test holes - I'd have just tried the dowel in the hole to see how well it fitted. No numbers needed!

I did something quite similar recently while making a rounded cut-out on the inside of a wooden clamp to go around a pole. The pole was attached to my girlfriend's desk upstairs, and I doubt she'd have appreciated me lugging the bandsaw and sanding stuff up to the study to constantly test-fit!

Fair point! Sometimes measurements are needed!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I had a Sealey digital - it was used about twenty times before it packed up - out of guarantee, of course. I wouldn't buy another one.

 

[mn pete]

I just popped over to Highland Hardware's website and they only list the six inch caliper now ($30.) No more four inch model I guess. Bummer, since the four inch is my go-to.

 

[riclepp]

I just popped over to Highland Hardware's website and they only list the six inch caliper now ($30.) No more four inch model I guess. Bummer, since the four inch is my go-to.

Oh bugger another caliper to buy #-o Don't tell the wife

 

[marcros]

the 4" ones arent common- i just had a quick look online, and moore and wright, starrett et al start at 6", and the motutoyo one is £££ (or $$$)!

 

[custard]

That's great Pete, and a really useful tip. Thanks for passing it on.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Yeah.. Brilliant. Also if you turn it through 90 degrees you can use the stem of the gauge as a straight edge. And the actual gauge as a circular radius setter, presuming of course your circle exactly matches the radius of your dial

It's almost limitless in its utility

A friend of mine was able to mount it in a crossbow and use as a slingshot to slay his estranged dragon. Its uses really are endless