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a simple hieght gage
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=11800		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Jim Watts [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:42 am ]
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Some one was interested in hieght gages not long ago. Here is a very siple but accurate gage. I like it becuase I have a flat table to work off of.
I got this from the GAL latest issue I think.
Cost about $15
Author:  Bruce Dickey [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:41 pm ]
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Super. Okay, where'd you get the guage.
Author:  KiwiCraig [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:43 pm ]
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Brilliant !
Author:  Jim Watts [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 3:18 pm ]
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Hi Bruce Enco has them cheap, as does MSC.
Enco probably has the better price but both have offerings in the $15 range. I had that one, it's a cheap one and it matches up on reading with my Starett mic.
I like this set up because I get in the middle of the plate which I couldn't do with a mic or calipers.
I might note that the back can come of with 4 screws and you can rotate it if necessary so it's in the right orientation to chuck in you spindle.
Author:  crazymanmichael [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:49 pm ]
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sometimes harbour freight has them for 6.99 on sale.

the enco model is good value because it includes a wide range of contact tips to suit a range of applications.

the tips are also available separately for use on any other indicators you might have whose application would benefit from using a different style tip.
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 3:20 am ]
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[QUOTE=crazymanmichael]sometimes harbour freight has them for 6.99 on sale.

the enco model is good value because it includes a wide range of contact tips to suit a range of applications.

the tips are also available separately for use on any other indicators you might have whose application would benefit from using a different style tip.[/QUOTE]


I found out that all those tips are not interchangeable.  I have an old Starrett set, and the tips will not fit others I have tried.  Maybe it's just that the Chinese ones don't use AS threading.
Author:  crazymanmichael [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 3:33 am ]
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i would not be at all surprised if the chinese used metric thread on their low cost indicators. i've never put one into a thread gauge to test it.
Author:  CarltonM [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 7:24 am ]
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Jim, you just made me bruise my forehead again! I've been putting off making a thickness gauge because it would be just another tool/jig that I don't have room for. Excellent solution, since the drill press is already there.

I can't see how you've got the dial chucked in, though. A bolt through the back hole?
Author:  Philip Perdue [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 7:58 am ]
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Looks like a simple solution. I'll have to see if I can figure how to attatch my digital dial indicator. Mine has a mounting hole but it mounts horizontal not vertical. If only the darn thing would spin but it won't. Good idea though.

Philip
Author:  Jim Watts [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:27 am ]
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You can undo the back of the indicator with the 4 itty-bitty screws and rotate it 90 degrees. Then can but a bolt in it and chuck up on that.
I'm actually chucked up on a shaft that goes with a mag base however.
Author:  KiwiCraig [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:35 am ]
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Although I just commented "brilliant " , on reflection I can see a flaw. If the piece you are measuring has a dip on it's underside , it'll give a wrong reading of the wood thickness , measuring the dip as well as the wood thickness. Other units measure directly under the dial tip
Author:  A Peebels [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:06 am ]
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Craig,

You're absolutely right, but that problem can be corrected by drilling a small hole in the table then making a removable button with a rounded top to give a true thickness measurement.

Al
Author:  KiwiCraig [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:36 am ]
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Yup, That'll do it . Your a clever man Al

Cheers, Craig
Author:  Jim Watts [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:41 am ]
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I think it's a good idea not to have local divots in your top plates
But of course your right if you do have a little one on the underside you won't pick it up.
When I use it I apply light hand pressure to the top to remove any bow.
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 1:22 pm ]
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[QUOTE=A Peebels]Craig,

You're absolutely right, but that problem can be corrected by drilling a small hole in the table then making a removable button with a rounded top to give a true thickness measurement.

Al[/QUOTE]


Actually, a carriage bolt works very well.  You might have to sand the lettering off the top of the head, but it makes a nice round surface.  If you wanted to elevate it, just put a wingnut above and below the table to hold it steady.
Author:  A Peebels [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 2:41 pm ]
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We should be someone's high priced R&D team. .

Al
Author:  KiwiCraig [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 3:33 pm ]
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The "high priced" part sounds good Al
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 3:43 pm ]
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Hey, I want a piece of that too!
Author:  CarltonM [ Sat Apr 28, 2007 1:53 pm ]
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If you don't want to drill into your table for a bolt, you could buy or make a wood "button" and double-stick it under the gauge. Easy on, easy off.

This is all so darned simple...why didn't I think of it?
Author:  Jim Watts [ Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:33 pm ]
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That's a good idea for measuring non flat plates like archtops.
Author:  charliewood [ Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:58 am ]
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heres my entry in the simple effective guage hieght thread.




Cheers
Charliewood
Author:  charliewood [ Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:59 am ]
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oooopsy,..... thats "height guage" rather.
sorry
cw
Author:  Ricardo [ Mon Apr 30, 2007 9:34 am ]
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You mean height gauge?
Author:  CarltonM [ Tue May 01, 2007 5:59 am ]
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You're all wrong--it's a thickness gauge!

I like that, Charlie. What's that structure behind the dial unit itself? Looks different from any other I've seen.
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