Telescoping Gage | The Hobby-Machinist

I only have a cheapo set myself so take this with a grain of salt.

Accuracy with telescoping gauges in my experience has mostly to do with your technique. Also the tool you are using to take the measurement off them (caliper or mic). I don't think you're likely to get accurate, repeatable measurements with nicer tools if you can't do it with what you have.

As always, if you come across a great deal on some sweet vintage gauges then go for it. But if it's buying new ones just to see if they are better than what you have I'd say your money is probably better spent elsewhere.


John

I only have a cheapo set myself so take this with a grain of salt.

Accuracy with telescoping gauges in my experience has mostly to do with your technique. Also the tool you are using to take the measurement off them (caliper or mic). I don't think you're likely to get accurate, repeatable measurements with nicer tools if you can't do it with what you have.

As always, if you come across a great deal on some sweet vintage gauges then go for it. But if it's buying new ones just to see if they are better than what you have I'd say your money is probably better spent elsewhere.


John

I've got a mixed set of a "vintage" General set I bought in the 70's and some smaller I think Starretts I picked up individually in yard sales etc. I've had great luck with them and like John said its all about your technique. Now if you can catch a deal on a name brand complete set in good shape for a good deal go for it certainly. But even name brand will not give you instant good technique. Not only setting it in the hole then tweeking it but also measuring with the mic. It is something I had to practice with a known ID to get it right and consistent. In my opinion, yes, better gauges work better. I have owned Starrett, Mitutoyo and Yuasa and have used a cheap Chinese set at a friend's place and there is a difference in how they feel. Mitutoyo and Yuasa gauges are made by the same factory; they just have their names inscribed on them. I own a set of each and have examined them closely; they are exactly the same.

Here is a decent set. It has some surface rust from sitting but I can see no evidence of use. If you took them apart and hit them with some Evaporust, you would have a decent set for a good price. The comparable Mitutoyo set, new, is well over $200.00.