Hello from Lazarus

I,m well on in years but contemplating working in metal. My background is in biology so very different from the world of lathes and mills. I would like to obtain both of the latter but wonder if I will get enough use before the Grim Reaper appears. Nonetheless I do have a question right away. I need to gauge some screw threads and note that guages can be bought for about £5 or about £50. Is the difference important? Which gauges should I get?

If the cheapies cover the sizes you want they will do....these are just for tpi and pitch you want them for?

Hello John,

Welcome to the Forum, here's hoping you get many years of use from it!

Seriously, taking up a new interest will give the grey matter something different to get to grips with and I am sure that, more than a lot else, that is the secret to running over the time the Reaper has set for us.

Thread gauges. The kind you need are the leaf gauges clipped together in stacks into holders so that they can be swung out and used individually. for comparison with the unknown thread. The expensive ones you mention might be reference gauges used industrially to size screw threads for acceptance or rejection, they are usually ring shaped and made to precision standards for one size only.

As another old timer, I'm sure I speak for many in hoping you find what you want with machinery and get great satisfaction out of using it

Regards Brian

I'm sure these would be fine. You are mainly interested in identifying the pitch and possibly the angle.

The other part of the puzzle is identifying the correct standard used from the pitch and diameter you have found (metric fine or coarse, UNC /UNF / BSW etc). For this it's handy to get some Zeus tables.

Murray

A suitable tap can be used in lieu of a screw pitch gauge.

I does not matter how old you are. If you get a rush from doing a job or hobby that's where the biology comes in handy.

regards

Welcome to the forum John,

As others have said, a workshop is a great way to exercise your brain and keep active!

Neil

Hi John,

I know someone suggested "Zeus" tables ! But could I suggest the "Presto Counsellor" its a free download on the "Presto Tools" web site.

www.presto-tools.com/Downloads    Just click on "Counsellor

If you ring them, their phone number is at the bottom of that page, and ask, they will send you a paper copy. Actually it is a very handy 1/2 A5 book.

Edited By John Baron on 21/12/2017 20:18:52

Edited By John Baron on 21/12/2017 20:19:50

Many thanks to all who replied with informative and encouraging posts. Much appreciated!

Welcome to the forum!

Apart from the banter, you will get lots of advice, (albeit, some contradictory!) on here.

Unless you do something stupid, keeping mentally and physically active will keep the Grim Reaper at bay for longer.

Do have a think about what you want to do before buying machines. I.e don't get a baby lathe if you want to make 7 1/4" locos, or 6" scale traction engines, or a machine capable of swinging 12" if you want make watches!

Also, space and budget will have an effect on what you purchase. Hauling 300Kg up a spiral staircase, and having noise sensitive neighbours, may prove difficult!

Or you may prefer to make tools, some of which will be interesting tom produce, but see little use.

(Don't ask how I know) Some you may wish to make, but in a scaled up, or down, form, or even modified to suit your needs / tools / material available. The world is your oyster.

Then you will be ready for the conflicting advice about buying new versus secondhand, and Ex Industry vs Asian!

If possible, find a local Model Engineering Society and join. Another source of knowledge, advice and help

Just enjoy yourself!

Howard