1976 Kz 900 A4

Thank Doc. I’m just getting used to precision measuring. I understand the “feel” portion. I’m able to get repeatable measurements finally using my calipers. Just bummed to find out the are pretty crude when it comes to precision tools, meaning I’ll have to learn that feel all over with the more accurate tools. Great advice learning to measure gauge blocks. I can see how that will help the learning curve. With this situation I was thinking approximately $100 in shipping to get the crank to and back from an expert was cheaper than buying quality tools. Maybe the wrong thought process. That could be money towards tools I can use to test, check the next part. Can I lean on you guys to help with finding the proper pricing for tools of a sufficient quality to check out this crankshaft? 

When it comes to measuring tools, you get what you pay for.  Running a QC department for a metal manufacturer for 24 years has given me some experience there.  I always prefer Mitutoyo or Starret brands for micrometers, calipers, etc.  If you can afford to, buy the better tools.  They will reward you with longer accuracy when cared for.

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When it comes to measuring tools, you get what you pay for.  Running a QC department for a metal manufacturer for 24 years has given me some experience there.  I always prefer Mitutoyo or Starret brands for micrometers, calipers, etc.  If you can afford to, buy the better tools.  They will reward you with longer accuracy when cared for.

Good advice!  I bought a Mitutoyo borehole gauge for cylinders.
 

Almost all of my older measuring tools, mics, gauge blocks, calipers etc. are Starrett or Mitutoyo.  Some I got from my Dad when he passed and some I bought used from the usual websites.  If you buy used you can get some really good deals on quality items, just make sure you have right of return if they don't meet your expectations.  The telescoping gauges come in sets or you can buy individually, but only get the "good stuff".  They are difficult to use at first and you don't want any binding or anything that will give you a false sense of feel using them.  I can't tell you how many hours I spent with aa circle/donut gage block practicing getting perfect readings.  My reward came when I measured my cylinders with telescoping gages and my readings were the same as what the machine shop guys came up with using their specialized tools.  Just remember it isn't uncommon to have slightly different readings by two different people.  Not everyone has the same "feel".  Good used tools may have some markings as to who owned the tool, but this shouldn't be much of a concern.  If you take care of them they will outlast you and practice with known gage blocks, pins etc.  Life holds small rewards when your measurement results match the gage block and you know your are on the right track.  Finesse is a requirement using these items.

Rick H.

The telescope gauges I’m seeing have flat end or only one radius end. Is that correct for measuring a circle. It would seam both ends would radii.

My older Starrett gages have a "rounded" end on both probes.  I can't speak to the newer ones.  Starrett has also been making some of their lesser quality tools in China so buyer beware.

Rick H.

Found this. Cant go wrong. Going to buy a gauge block and start getting my feet wet. I’m finding digital mitutoyo 0-1” calipers .00005”/.001mm for $60-$120 

 

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There's always been an argument Matt if you should use a caliper for measuring these things or a mic.  I use both to verify my result.  I have a bench holder for my mic's that hold the micrometer and allow me to concentrate on getting a good measurement from the telescoping gage.  One hand holds the telescoping gage and the other operates the spindle on the mic.  The real trick is consistency and using the exact same amount of force to close the mic or caliper on the telescoping gage.  My Dad disliked mic holders and said it was a solution for a non-existent problem.  He was probably right, but he had thousands of hours of experience using and holding mics with his bare hands.  He also preferred using mics to sliding scales because he felt he could get a better feel with a mic.  Calipers were okay for down and dirty quick readings, but a micrometer gave the most accurate reading.  Get a couple of different sized gage blocks or pins not only to check the accuracy of your measuring tools but to practice your measuring technique.  And keep the anvils of your measuring tools clean as well as the piece you are measuring.  A little piece of anything can screw up your result.  I always keep a film of light oil on the measuring tools I have because I never know when I might use them again.  Rust can ruin your day and your tools and they always go back in the container they came in not just thrown in a drawer.  After some practice you will be amazed at how accurately you can measure things.  I have included some pics of what I rely on for measuring devices.  As with anything buy the best your can afford it will pay off in the end.

 

I have come to really like using the 4" digital caliper instead of my 6" one.  It is much easier to work with especially around my milling machine and I rarely need to measure anything over a couple of inches.  If I do need more than 4" I grab my 6" scale, but that's seldom.  The 4" caliper also has a round stem protrusion instead of rectangular stem and it can be used to measure small round hole depths.  That feature is really handy when mounting scope blocks or sights on a gun barrel and you don't want to get too close to the bore!!!! LOL..

Rick H.

Rick H. Thank you. I’m so used to using the word caliper that I miss typed that when I meant micrometer. The one you posted is the one in looking at to buy. 

And so it begins 

 

Now you are going down that ol' rabbit hole.  I'll be waiting for you at the bottom.  Oh wait!!  There is NO bottom!  Don't forget you have to decide how much accuracy you want out of your measuring tools?  Is a thousandth good or do you need more?  WARNING, WARNING WILL ROGERS!  This stuff can get dicey and pricey, but good measuring tools are in and of themselves priceless.  Good luck Matt!

Rick H.