Depth gauge improvements

[mklotz]

If one makes small parts, one needs a lot of specialty depth gauges - at least I seem to:



The one in the foreground (after a design by Elmer Verburg) is especially handy.
By moving the lock screw well away from the measuring plate, it's easy to lock in a measurement when the measuring plate is deep down in some inaccessible cavity of a part.

However, I've developed another variation of this that works well in more conventional designs. On my gauges, the rod is secured by a pin which passes through the gauge body and captures the rod. This pin is threaded on one end to accept the knurled lock screw. On the other end I form a button a bit larger than the rod. Before drilling the hole for the rod, I assemble the rod into the body with a couple of washers holding the button proud of the body. The lock screw holds this assembly together as I drill the rod hole.



After drilling the rod hole, the washers are removed. Now, when working in cramped quarters, merely pressing on the button will lock in the measurement until the gauge can be withdrawn and the knurled lock screw tightened.

[Mcgyver]

keep them coming Marv, I really like you tool making expoits. I don't care if i never used them, i'd still get a kick out of opening a drawer full of nice brass gauges like that

[BobWarfield]

Any excuse to use brass--I love the stuff and it makes shopmade tooling sooo much nicer.

Marv, you seem to get on a roll with these projects--great work!

Best,

BW

[BadDog]

Impressive as always...

[lane]

Well Marv they look super nice. But please excuse me but I got to ask a dumb question why.would not a regular depth micrometer save time and trouble.I just gots to know.

[mklotz]

Originally Posted by lane

Well Marv they look super nice. But please excuse me but I got to ask a dumb question why.would not a regular depth micrometer save time and trouble.I just gots to know.

I've got a depth micrometer and use it where possible.

The main problem with small, complex parts is access for the depth gauge. The measuring surface of the gauge has to sit flat on the reference surface in order to make the measurement. If there are nearby raised features that get in the way, that often isn't possible with a depth mike. Also, in many cases the rod on the depth mike is larger than the hole where I'm measuring depth, hence the 1/16" rod on many of these homemade gauges. These small gauges are made to fit into small places that a larger gauge simply can't reach.

[lane]

OK I see your point . Did not realize you did not have 6 different kinds of depth micrometers like me . I take to much for granted some times. Wide base, narrow base , blade type , 1/2 inch travel ,6 inch travel 1/16 rod 3/32 rod and 1/8 rod Yes I have too many. But they all have a use. But I still like your little gadget`s. Might have to make some.

[John R]

Nice looking tools, congratulations.
I made a similar small gauge where the cross rod is drilled similar to yours but is spring loaded. To move the depth rod you press the button to free the rod and release the button to lock the rod with spring pressure.
Thanks for showing us your gauges
John R

[Your Old Dog]

Have to agree with John R, thanks for taking the time to post this stuff. I enjoy looking at it and learn from most all of your post that don't involve math

[lynnl]

REAlllly NICE knurls!!! ...esp. that bottom picture.