re: button-pushers..

thank you..sparky...4 such a quick reply...and yes...i should've stated the "type-of-tap....but you're right....its the kind that make threads for bolts.....and i like the pics u put up there of the taps.....again...thank you....

Its lucky if they can read a tape measure let alone a micrometer.

Our Maintenance shop still has an old Bridgeport mill circa 1960. Our operators push buttons in manufacturing on CNC's Machines.

I'M just happy that they don't have tolerances that would have them using micrometers.

Give me a good vernier caliper over a digital (or even a dial) set any day!

Hello CSM Engineer

We trained using internal and external manual calipers, and then transferred those readings to a micrometer.

We didn't have the fancy telescopic cylinder gauges in those days.

I still have my first set of vernier calipers, with a gauge reading in ¹/₁₀₀₀ inch, never found by my sons, until they were old enough to appreciate using it.

We also learned the fine art of surveying, with Wild Heerbrug Theodolites, Stadia tables, staff, genuine Gunters chain and 7 figure logarithmic tables by Chambers of London.

Pylon on the routes I surveyed over 40 years ago, are still standing.

Kind Regards....

I have used Logs for calculations in college also slide rules. Slight error in reading you are doomed.

I have never worked in a machine shop setting but I have been using their services for years. I have an inexpensive Polish made Vernier Caliper that is just one of those items you like. Its mine and I usually keep it at home. At work we have some very nice dial and electronic calipers but I prefer these old calipers when possible. A simple device that gets the job done is always better than more complex (breakable) items.

Its funny to hand these to someone who wants to measure something just to see if they can read the vernier scale. Oh well, I have to have my reading glasses on to read them now.

GOOD TO HEAR A FEW STILL HAVE THE EXPERIENCE/FAMILIARITY OF THE OLD TOOLS.....I STILL HAVE A FULL SETUP OF MACHINE SET UP TOOLS (BUBBLES READING IN 1/4 TENTHS) FOR LATHES/MILLS ...PRECISE MANDRELS...HAND SCAPING TOOLS AND THE LIKE AND A PRIDE AND TOY...A THREE FOOT VERNIER CALIPER....AND A FOUR FOOT HAND MIC.

(BORN IN '25) [ALTHOUGH I DO APPRECIATE AXIS MOUNTED DRO'S TO AID FAILING EYES.]

MR. GUY

Hallo Schm8.. and Sparky!

I started out the same way, when mechanics and the radio tube ruled, and the transistor was not yet invented. All, that I learned then is still good for me, and have a small mechanical shop downstairs. My good friend, tool and die maker uses them to a full extent at his job. Younger guys cannot touch his skills. I still learn a few tricks from him. And the lathe I refurbished and putting together was built around 1940. My kids just look funny, when I bother with that old iron. But I know, how durable and precise they can be, much before CNC was invented.

With micrometers or calipers it is all in the feel. Anyone can learn the feel very quickly by using a mike guage or other accurate guage. Personally I can work to .001 using transfer calipers. You can actually locate holes to within .003 using a scale, and a magnifying glass. I have build numerous dies this way. After center punching and "moving" the punch mark to line up with cross marks, drilling with a drill about 1/8 " in diameter to about 1/8 deep does the trick. Larger drills will then follow the 1/8 hole. I have never known a machinist who knows this trick but all old time toolmakers like me know it.

Most tool makers don't know that you can grind just as well, and sometimes better, by taking a deep cut and moving slowly as you can with the traditional method. It is amazing how well you can control the feed by sound and watching the sparks. Just don't try this on a grinder like a Thompson. You can't control the feed very well. Of course, as with any grinding you must have a wheel of the right grit, hardness and grain spacing.

When I was a kid I used a Cincinnati Filmatic for the first time. I was scared stiff of the hydraulic directional control. When I was about to spark the shoulder some *%X#@ tossed a cherry bomb right behind me.

BTW I was born in 36. At this time the crust of the earth was still cooling and we only had gravity for about a half a day.

re: skelley...ive only been in the business a short time..but an old-time taught me that "trick" also......what a way to get to the *center*....hehehe....and you're right....i grind on an old "norton"....and yes..i swear i can hear it within 2000's of an inch.....and yes....buy the sparks.....whether it be carbon....or high-speed that im grinding......ty for replying....look 4-ward to seeing more of your input about "old-time machine-work....