Tom,
Ok, I can agree with micrometers for diameters, but for lengths I would think either a dial caliper or the ruler like you said. What about for critical lengths? The Central box says Cranston, Rhode Island, but it is possible that they are still a import and are just sold the Rhode Island.
I have thread pitch gauges that came with my tap and die set. I also have a rethreading set, so I could run them onto my threads to test them, would this wrong to test threads this way or what?
I know that I need to get some HSS tool bits, didn't know what % cobalt to go for though. I also need to get center drills and such. I will also look into the clamp type knurl. I do need to look into colletes. They don't come with the lathe. I will probably see how much I spend on other tooling to see if I can get collets now or not. I know it comes with 1 live center for sure, but it may have two, it does have one tailstock drill chuck, it comes with a face plate, but I don't think it comes with a lathe dog. I need to get all the parting, turning, boring bars, etc. I only have a few cheap misc drills over 1/2", none with a taper. The spindle taper is a MT5, and the tailstock is a MT3. The tool post is a wedge type QCTP, with 5 holder.
Jonathan