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VicS

VicS

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VicMallows said:
Best and most used bit of cheap kit I've ever bought. You seem sceptical??
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I bought one last time they were on offer because people said how useful they are. For small things I prefer a micrometer. If I need to measure anything on the boat i use an analog plastic one ( It's a decent quality one but not so precise of course).

Must admit a lot better than the old analog one of my fathers. The graduations are so fine I cannot read them without a powerful magnifier.

Its one of those things I have bought but will never use much and probably wll end up in a skip in as good as new condition when I pop my clogs.
 
NormanS said:
+1. Although I would normally call it a Vernier.
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Doesnt "vernier" refer to the vernier scale on a traditional vernier caliper etc The tool is a caliper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernier_scale

uncertainty_clip_image003.jpg
 
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VicS said:
Doesnt "vernier" refer to the vernier scale on a traditional vernier caliper etc The tool is a caliper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernier_scale

uncertainty_clip_image003.jpg
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Perfectly correct. I have both types, and if I want to be certain of accuracy I prefer the vernier, which is a quality Japanese make. I have tried measuring the same object using both, and I do find that the cheap digital calipers are accurate over most of their range within a thou or two (Imperial measurement) but need careful handling because the fit of the slideway is not perfect and it is possible to introduce small errors by applying too much pressure. I also have a Japanese one with a dial driven by a small gear on a rack. That is quick to read and pretty accurate but can suffer from the gear jumping a tooth on the rack if any swarf gets in. For height measurements, and thickness measurement of objects on a surface plate a big vernier height gauge is the dogs doodahs.
 
VicS said:
Doesnt "vernier" refer to the vernier scale on a traditional vernier caliper etc The tool is a caliper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernier_scale

uncertainty_clip_image003.jpg
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Yes, I'm sure you're perfectly correct, but after a lifetime of using such tools, the term "caliper" normally refers to the normal hinged device, (think of caliper brakes on a bike), whereas the term "vernier" normally refers to the tool shaped like the onesbeing sold by Aldi. (even though they don't actually have a vernier gauge ). It's a bit like referring to a vacuum cleaner as a hoover, everyone knows what you mean, but a pedant can pick you up on it.
 
My objection to digital calipers is that the damn battery is always flat when you want to use them! There is a plastic vernier caliper in the boat toolbox...

Rob.
 
My vernier calipers are still going strong since I bought them during my apprenticeship in 1970 but now I need glasses in order to see the bloody scale.I'd be very wary of those digital ones if as Norman says he can detect play in the slide.
I still use mine a lot!
 
prv said:
Really? Mine's still going strong on the original battery it came with three or four years ago.

Pete
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well I just had a quick look at the one I bought a couple of years ago. The battery is flat! There is a spare that came with it but since it is obviously the same age it may not last long now I have fitted it.

BTW there appears to be a couple of tiny screws that will tighten the fit if necessary.

Generally you have to treat digital readouts with some caution The precision, in this case 0.01mm, can lead to a false perception of the accuracy
 
VicS said:
well I just had a quick look at the one I bought a couple of years ago. The battery is flat! There is a spare that came with it but since it is obviously the same age it may not last long now I have fitted it.

BTW there appears to be a couple of tiny screws that will tighten the fit if necessary.

Generally you have to treat digital readouts with some caution The precision, in this case 0.01mm, can lead to a false perception of the accuracy
Click to expand...

The damping mechanism on the slide is normal so that's for the good but I'd be very wary of digital because I have dropped mine any number of times.Think simple....the less to go wrong.
 
I just had a quick look at the one I bought a couple of years ago. The battery is flat!
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They do use a small amount of power when idle, enough to flatten the battery in a few months. Replacements are very cheap - e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170647808194 - or you could always take the battery out when not using the thing!

Another item Aldi are offering is a suction table vice - http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_29108.htm - I have one on board, and it's very useful - just stick it onto the galley worktop and it's as good as a permanently-mounted one. Just need to make sure you clean up after using it, you don't want metal filings in your sandwiches!
 
We were issued with digital verniers a few years back in the steel mill i worked in, they were ok but you could get wrong readings if you were a little heavy with your thumb. also they needed to be zero'd in before every use, which was a pain. i much prefered the old type analoge which i found were more accurate.
 
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