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+-- Thread: Dividers and calipers (/showthread.php?tid=7327154)
Dividers and calipers - John D. - 01-21-2017
Looking at getting some inside and outside calipers and dividers to help as I start turning (I know different forum, but thought that I would get good answers here as well). What should I be looking for in calipers and dividers? I'd prefer to go old rather than new, but the prices on dividers on ebay are pretty variable (and I'm not sure I need something at the Starrett level to start off). Any help is appreciated!
RE: Dividers and calipers - museumguy - 01-21-2017
What sizes are you looking for ? I have some that I can get rid of really cheap. Not sure if they are no name or name brand.
RE: Dividers and calipers - JimReed@Tallahassee - 01-22-2017
I don't turn a lot, but when I do I always use a small outside caliper. It is the one that is bulbous looking and mine is about six inches long. I set it to size using the original piece and then use it on the spinning project as a go-nogo gauge. It really saves time. The other dozens of calipers languish in their storage box.
RE: Dividers and calipers - MichaelMouse - 01-22-2017
You can make your own if you care to. Calipers http://makezine.com/2016/07/13/make-your-own-calipers/ which are useful for measuring things, rather than making them to test and fit with things as simple as open-end wrenches for smaller, and plywood half bores for larger. This type, in much simpler form, can be made out of good plywood for almost any purpose. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=make+calipers&&view=detail&mid=5B4F256608355BF567575B4F256608355BF56757&FORM=VRDGAR
If you're going to hollow, you will want a caliper to check hidden wall thickness. Open pieces will be fine using fingers - after stopping the lathe. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=make+calipers&&view=detail&mid=31545BC8B65FE3860A9431545BC8B65FE3860A94&FORM=VRDGAR People make similar using stiff wire, but I like what he's showing.
RE: Dividers and calipers - Adnick - 01-22-2017
Wanted a couple of high quality small dividers, waited for Zoro to have a 25% off sale and got a couple of new ones for about 2/3 the cost of used on eBay, and free shipping .
-- mos maiorum
RE: Dividers and calipers - John D. - 01-22-2017
Thanks, everyone. I was thinking of starting with 6 or 8" dividers, inside, and outside calipers. Would prefer not to make my own since shop time is already limited and I am behind on another project. Are there certain brands to stay away from?
I haven't looked at Zoro, will take a look. Thanks!
RE: Dividers and calipers - Downwindtracker2 - 01-25-2017
Smallest Lee Valley, waste of steel.
RE: Dividers and calipers - Jason28 - 01-25-2017
(01-25-2017, 08:27 PM)Downwindtracker2 Wrote: Smallest Lee Valley, waste of steel.
Okay, I'll bite: Why?
RE: Dividers and calipers - Downwindtracker2 - 01-25-2017
I needed a 4" inside calipers , the end are blunt and crude to the point of being useless. They didn't go small enough. I ended up buying a Starrett, new ! 6" and up , never seen any small ones, the Made in India Groz or Soba will work fine.