Tire Gauge Micro DRO

[donf]

When people get done arguing about surface plates... I think this might be of interest. I made sure to order my two yesterday to avoid the rush!
http://users.tpg.com.au/agnet/microdro2.html There is a video a the bottom of this link.
http://start-model-engineering.co.uk...the/micro-dro/

[oldtiffie]

It has a stated accuracy of +/- 0.01mm which is +/- 0.0004" on the cross-slide which translates to +/- 0.02mm (+/- 0.0008") on the diameter you are turning.

If you are working to say 0.025mm (~0.001") or larger that might be fine.

I use a micrometer to "finish off".

It would not be hard to "crash" unless you were careful.

[customcutter]

Thanks for the links. Looks like a nice tool. Also saved the second, it'll be handy for projects for a newbie like me.

thanks,
CC

[flylo]

Great idea! Thank you

[donf]

It has a stated accuracy of +/- 0.01mm which is +/- 0.0004" on the cross-slide which translates to +/- 0.02mm (+/- 0.0008") on the diameter you are turning.

Thanks for the tip. I did realize I wasn't going to get micrometer accuracy, but I was thinking it will have a lot of uses.

[Kd0afk]

Where could a person get a long strip of the shiny metal strip that the thing reads off of? I found that if I had a longer strip, it would give a longer readout. Would be nice to have full length ones mounted as permanent DRO's on my lathe. One each for: tailstock, cross feed, apron travel etc.

[uncle pete]

It's rather odd Mitutoyo, Starrett, and about any other high end digital caliper manufacturer hasn't bothered to invest in the same technology those 20 buck tire gauges are using. No doubt if would vastly increase their sales since their calipers will only reliably repeat to + - a thou.

I'm just sayin.

Pete

[dfw5914]

Just checked ebay, someone has those digital tread depth gauges for $1 (plus $5 shipping)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-...50594687091%26

[flylo]

They have ties & ipad cases for $1 ea. + shipping. Good find, wish they comined shipping.

[Kd0afk]

Just checked ebay, someone has those digital tread depth gauges for $1 (plus $5 shipping)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-...50594687091%26

It's better to go with the ones for $5 with free shipping.
Also, I took mine apart and ran my finger over the PCB with the sensors on it and it registered movement. I have an idea that it might just take a piece of SS that has been media blasted. And, there is also a little cover that covers an access hole with 4 copper contacts. I'm wondering what those are for. Maybe a programming port or could they be hooked up to an LCD for remote viewing. Might be able to make an enclosed rail system like Accu-rite for around $50 max. It would give me all the accuracy I need for normal operations. When I need to be more precise I would use it to get within a thou or two then walk it in.