Decent brands of measuring tools for beginners?

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pgmrdan

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Buying new Starrett or new Mitutoyo items are so expensive. If I buy used I'm wondering if having them services is also cost prohibitive. ???

Can you recommend some brands for micrometers, test indicators, calipers, etc. that are plenty good enough for hobbyists?
 
how accurate are you?

instruments reflect the users precision. If you are not concerned with working to 4 digits, save your money. Most stuff outside of harbor freight will get you to 3 digits repeatedly.
 
I like my iGaging digital calipers - they measure to within 0.01mm according to my gage blocks (and my ability and the calipers resolution!) and they agree with my calibrated Mit micrometers. Had them 6 or so years, use a CR2032 battery a year give or take. One of the best Christmas presents I've ever gotten from my family.

For micrometers, buy secondhand with standards, clean and calibrate then you're good to go. To be honest the import mics I have repeat just as well as the fancy ones. I can't tell any difference.

For DTIs and dial indicators, I'd personally save up for new quality units or buy known good used ones from someone you trust. I've fought with stick dial indicators and DTIs and it's a complete pain. If you're trying to indicate in a part or a vise, the last thing you want is a tool that doesn't reliably repeat or has hysterisis in its movement.
 
mattthemuppet2 said:
I've fought with stick dial indicators and DTIs and it's a complete pain. If you're trying to indicate in a part or a vise, the last thing you want is a tool that doesn't reliably repeat or has hysterisis in its movement.
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They repeat fine, but I agree that it is a lot more work as they are quite jumpy when setting things up. Given the huge price jump between 'serviceable' and 'excellent' dial indicators, I've stuck with good enough. Maybe once I go a year without breaking one, I'll buy something decent :)
 
Personally, I bought new, mostly from Starrett, starting with a 0-1 mike that I bought while in high school in 1962, I am still using it nearly every day. If I were starting out now, with a view to hobby use, I'd go with E bay used tools, of any good American brand; micrometers are particularly cheap. Lately I bought a B&S dial indicator, in box for only $30. All the personal tools that I have bought over the last 50 years are still in use and are capable of doing any measuring job that I need to perform, with accuracy. Nearly all of my tools are either Starrett or Brown & Sharpe.
 
After buying used mics they're one thing I will buy new now. Buy as best you can and cry hopefully once. +1 on the Accusize brand for good modest gear. Shars sells good modestly priced items, too.
 
For getting started, I've found the Pittsburgh brand of digital calipers from Harbor Freight, $10.00 with coupon cannot be beat. They are accurate to.001, the batters last at least a year, and the batteries are buyable on line for cheap. When you get to where you need .0001 accuracy you can buy Starrett then.
 
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