Electronic Fractional Calipers

[Tin Falcon]

Guys:
A while back there was some discussion of the nuisance of converting decimal inches to fractional inches. I just got the summer sales flyer from Grizzly. They are introducing a new digital electronic caliper. It reads in decimal inches , fractional inches,and milimeters. Special intro price of $29.95 cat # H7978 @ www. grizzly.com . It seem like most of the model engineering prints are in fractional inches or metric and most of the machines owned by the HSM in the states are calibrated in decimal inches. this could be a handy item.
Normal disclaimers.
Regards
Tin Falcon

[Carld]

I have a big issue of using fractional sizes for machining. Everytime a fraction is given I convert it to digital numbers. The problem is that there is about .015" between each 1/64" and I don't see how a fractional caliper can show that space. I don't ever deal in fractions when I make a part. I always convert to thousandths by dividing the denominator into the numerator and put it behind the inches. To me that caliper is a waste of money.

[Forrest Addy]

I go along with Carl. Why use a tool whose resolution has been deliberately dumbed down to suit woodworkers who for some reason have a blind spot when it comes to decimal conversions.

Minimum measurement resolution for machine shop work is usually 0.001" often less - 0.0001" - for bearing fits and running clearances.

[Tin Falcon]

Guys:
Interesting point. Not endorsing anything. The resolution in fractional mode is 1/128 and the normal .0005 for decimal. I will likely not buy one myself. I see it as handy for those not used to fractional conversions in there head not so much as a convertion tool. It would be handy in fractional mode for stock selection and then in decimal mode for making stuff. could be handy for the new guy who does not already have several calipers. But you can get regular HF digitals on sale for $ 15 and a decent TI scientific calculator for 10 -15 bucks.
Tin

[gellfex]

I've got most decimal equivalents in the head, and a conversion poster from a metal supplier behind the tools for when I'm too lazy. An .008 tolerance is for woodworkers.

[RPease]

The resolution in fractional mode is 1/128 and the normal .0005 for decimal...........I see it as handy for those not used to fractional conversions in there head not so much as a convertion tool.

I'd think that anyone who can mentally manipulate 1/128th fractions (say......7/128ths = 1/128th less than a 1/16th dimension or----------.00005 less than 0.0625) should probably had no problem converting from fractions to decimals............but that's just MHO.

Then again............I'm sure I could use another tool.............LOL.