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Gage blocks...What are the differences?
- Thread starter HMF
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- Jan 22, 2011
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As a general statement, those are categories of accuracy. There has been some changes in the naming convention for blocks, and I don't believe the letter grades are being produced now.
From Starrett's Webber division:
The B89.1.9 standard became effective in July, 2002. On January 6, 2003, Webber began to sell gage blocks to the new
B89.1.9-2002 standard. The Federal standard, GGG-G-15C, has been withdrawn.
So, the B89 standard is what you will see for sale in catalogs now. Here is a link to the Webber page where the tolerances for each grade and size are given.
http://www.starrett-webber.com/GB40.html
They explain it better than I can. There is also a link to the old standard, for reference.
As far as using them for measurement, they of course aren't used for direct measurement, but as a comparison. You can stack them for use on the surface plate and transfer measurements with a height gage. You can set up a sine plate or sine bar with them. You can setup a fixture to set a bore gage. You can use them to verify a micrometer or caliper. And other things. I believe that every machine shop, whether pro or hobby, should have a set. Unless you have a controlled environment, no point in getting the tight tolerance block set.
From Starrett's Webber division:
The B89.1.9 standard became effective in July, 2002. On January 6, 2003, Webber began to sell gage blocks to the new
B89.1.9-2002 standard. The Federal standard, GGG-G-15C, has been withdrawn.
So, the B89 standard is what you will see for sale in catalogs now. Here is a link to the Webber page where the tolerances for each grade and size are given.
http://www.starrett-webber.com/GB40.html
They explain it better than I can. There is also a link to the old standard, for reference.
As far as using them for measurement, they of course aren't used for direct measurement, but as a comparison. You can stack them for use on the surface plate and transfer measurements with a height gage. You can set up a sine plate or sine bar with them. You can setup a fixture to set a bore gage. You can use them to verify a micrometer or caliper. And other things. I believe that every machine shop, whether pro or hobby, should have a set. Unless you have a controlled environment, no point in getting the tight tolerance block set.
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- Jan 22, 2011
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It can be a bucket of worms, so I'll start by saying that you can get by just fine with the lowest grade. It will be more accurate than most anything you have to measure with, and certainly more accurate than anything you will be making. I used to see them on sale at places like Enco for around 100 bucks. Probably more now, but still not too bad, if you get a discount code or something.
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- Jan 22, 2011
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Good price.....Nelson, put them in your buggy, and press the button! Those are sufficient for most any use at the home shop.
I opted for a CMM setup instead of gage blocks. I know, I know a little pricey compared to actual blocks, but I like having something that can be used for a host of things. Can also be used for reverse engineering or prototype design....
And yes, I actually paid $11K for one.
http://www.gomeasure3d.com/microscribe.html#mx
And I know this is WAY beyond what is needed for a hobby based setup, but it can get you thinking about other ways to check dimensions.
And yes, I actually paid $11K for one.
http://www.gomeasure3d.com/microscribe.html#mx
And I know this is WAY beyond what is needed for a hobby based setup, but it can get you thinking about other ways to check dimensions.
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I would also agree with that. I keep 0.011 thru 0.500 on hand. I have used a few other places where we had up to 1.000, but I didn't think I could justify the expense of the larger ones. They are quite handy for gaging holes, and can be used to locate holes for measurement, and even for low angles, same as blocks....sine bar or table. And other things I can't come up with off hand. But once you have a set, you'll find places to use them.
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i have a set of the import gage blocks in my toolbox at work, think they are "B" grade. seems like .0002 tolerance.. i've used them for about 20yrs now, from anything from measuring keyways, setting tool length offsets, stack ups and so on.. my set goes up to 1", seems like i paid around $100 for mine back in the late 80's early 90's...
a cheap set of import blocks will work fine for home hobby use... when you get them, just clean the cosmolene off of them, sit down, take a micrometer and double check all of them, and make sure they are all etched with the correct numbers... i had a couple blocks that were the same size, and a couple blocks that weren't etched..
a cheap set of import blocks will work fine for home hobby use... when you get them, just clean the cosmolene off of them, sit down, take a micrometer and double check all of them, and make sure they are all etched with the correct numbers... i had a couple blocks that were the same size, and a couple blocks that weren't etched..
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I will. They are fine for my uses. Can't afford them at the moment, but when I can I will pick them up. By the way, in the General Forum, the Coupons thread has the code for 10% off shipping until 9/30 for those who want to buy from Enco, don't forget to use it.
http://hobby-machinist.com/index.php?topic=92.100
Nelson
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I'm glad to hear that. I'm out of money at the moment.
I had the rougher Starrett calipers I bought as part of the 5 piece deal for $51, but saw a set of 4 in a wooden case for $90 so I picked them up. I will probably keep the others as spares- I don't sell my stuff usually.
I still need Gage blocks, V-Blocks, 123 Blocks, and one day I want to buy that Mitutoyo Digital Coolant-proof calipers. So many things to wish for, so little cash! LOL! ::bludgeon::
Nelson
I had the rougher Starrett calipers I bought as part of the 5 piece deal for $51, but saw a set of 4 in a wooden case for $90 so I picked them up. I will probably keep the others as spares- I don't sell my stuff usually.
I still need Gage blocks, V-Blocks, 123 Blocks, and one day I want to buy that Mitutoyo Digital Coolant-proof calipers. So many things to wish for, so little cash! LOL! ::bludgeon::
Nelson