A page to bring together all of the measurement instruments and techniques that we use in model making and model engineering.
Dial Test Indicator – used to align and centre parts in the lathe among lots of other uses.
The dial gauge is an alternative and it gives a larger full-scale range of operation, typically around 1/2 inch or 12.5mm – using a dial gauge to machine a backplate and setup a new chuck.
Digital Calipers – the modern digital caliper allows you to measure: outside, inside and depth. The latest large face calipers are easy to use.
DRO’s – Digital ReadOut – digital readout system on a machine tool.
Engineers Square – used to accurately mark a line at 90° to another. Fundamental tool used in marking out.
Micrometer – very accurate thickness and diameter measurement.
Optical Centre Punches – allows you to line up the punch very accurately on the workpiece. Using a holder that you initially drop the optical centre into to align the holder, then you remove the optical centre and replace it with a hardened steel centre that is tapped with a hammer to mark the position.
Rulers – you need to be aware of parallax when using any manual measurement system and this includes a rule.
The Incra rule allows you to accurately mark through the ruler itself.
Snug – the joints found on a magnetic base that is used to position a DTI or Dial Gauge.
The vernier caliper provides the three basic functions of inner, outer and depth gauge. In all cases the measurement is read from the same vernier scale.