Telescopic bore gauges

Concur with Clive.

For sizing and measuring telescopics, i like to have the mic cradled in it's stand.

I have a set from Kennedy. Nicer than the cheapy sets seen at the shows but more affordable than Mitotoyo etc. Working OK for me but I cannot claim any skill.

Hi Geoff - apologies for not responding earlier, I thought I had, but re-reading this thread it seems not.

I ended up buying a single Mitutoyo gauge for the job in hand. On reflection I thought it was probably better to buy what I needed when I needed it and let a collection of sizes I might actually use build up naturally over time.

I bought it over my local Cromwell trade counter - about 25 quid IIRC. They also brought out the Kennedy equivalent (about 7 quid cheaper) for me to twiddle, and to be honest I'm not sure I could tell the difference on the basis of over-the-counter twiddling. But being inexperienced I went for the big name - and it's a sweet tool!

Regards Robin.

Just wondered if anyone has bought this Dasqua set and if so what do they think of it?

Thanks...

Henry

The details state the "Contact plunger automatically self-center at all times and in all positions",
in previous comments some have found that 1 fixed end is better than both being telescopic.
I use some Moore & Wright and Mitutoyo bought s/h off ebay, both only collapse at 1 end.

Emgee

Thanks Emgee,

I ask because last night I went to £52, not including P&P, for a set of three gauges (one unknown make, one Mitutoyo and I M&W) but someone else wanted them more than me!

I had wondered about the double telescopic ones, I'm pretty sure that the ones I used back in the day were single tele type, probably M&W. Looking closely the Dasqua ones do look of a reasonable quality havi ng chrome plungersand they do them with an extended handle which would be handy for longer bores.

I'm in no rush and watching ebay of course but the larger ones do do for good money. Maybe a good set in inside calipers would do.

Cheers, Henry.

Edited By Henry Brown on 16/03/2020 10:54:25

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Thanks for taking the time to provide so much very useful information Barrie, it is very helpful. I'm getting used to the equipment that is commercially available at the lower end of the market now, most things respond quite well to a bit of tlc with a stone of a needle file.

I probably won't buy anything immediately, unless that elusive bargain comes along, as I'm a few weeks away from using them. My need will be when I come to machine the bores in an Economy engine I hope to collect in the next few days.

I have a set of Draper telescopic bore gauges, (both anvils move) and agree with the comments above regarding minor fettling etc.

However two important points I have found are:

1. when tightening the adjustment knob hold the gauge at the very end of the handle just below the locking knob.

2. then using only one finger to gently move the handle to set the anvils

If the handle is held lower down nearer to the work an error occurs when the knob is tightened.

I find repeatable results within 0.0005”

Steve T

Just being pedantic: repeatability isn't the same as accuracy. How do people describing their technique know that they have got 'good' measurements, i.e. accurate? Really, you need to test your gauges and technique on a range of different-sized standards.

The informative and hilarious 'This Old Tony' has recently put up a video on You Tube showing how to turn a sow's ear into something better by very simple fettling.

For a set of bore gauges I believe accuracy cannot be gauged as you're not really measuring. You can only grade the repeatability of the dimension you're taking. The accuracy will come out of the micrometer you use after taking the measurement off the bore gauge...right?

Years back I got a Starrett at my favourite market tool stall, measures up to 20mm, very nice. Then at an exhibition I was looking for a wider range set, found a really tatty, cracked blue plastic wallet on a surplus stall, had a nearly complete set of Mitutoyo gauges at 25 quid! Worth digging around whenever we might have another show...