J.T.Slocombe micrometer very old

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Cracking little mic, testament to its quality that it's still usable after all that time, I too have a weak spot for good quality measuring equipment, one of my best buys was a high resolution dial caliper 0.01mm, made in Japan by the NSK bearing company, I bought it new on ebay as old stock for £24, I wish I'd bought 2 of them now, similar quality calipers seem to retail at £100~£120

Slocombe of centre drill fame?

Perhaps not of the same vintage as your Slocombe Barrie, but close.

It was going for 10/- (ten shillings) second hand in about 1950 shortly after I started my apprenticeship. For years, both during my time in the toolroom and later, I used it mainly for small work on the lathe. Never as a ‘G’ clamp, and seldom swung around like a clog iron.

As a college metrology exercise, various tests showed where it had worn. Almost at a forensic level, there were clear signs on the anvil and a section of the thread of it having been used for round stuff in the range of 0.3" – 0.5" diameter.

An optical flat, applied to the anvil, revealed a ‘valley’ and ‘hills’ at roughly 45°, evidence of (my) holding it in my right hand from under the workpiece. Regrettably, my notes have gone the way of many.

The micrometer is still in my toolbox.

Sam

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Good story that made me smile!......I also have a collection of ancient 'mikes' including Starret, M&W etc.

New members to Epping Forest Horology Club who turn up with verniers and mikes are told by one of the tutors that they will mostly be using 'intuition and feel' and that their micrometer will be handy for clamping small parts but their v ernier should be left at home in future for removing the nuts on radiators etc.

Sam

I keep mine in my desk draw!! Does yours have 1/64"s on the reverse of the frame?

Mike

I do find this one very useful as it is quite lightweight and convenient to take around in the pocket. Also very good for getting into tight corners. Picked up at an ME exhibition a few years ago, I think for 50p. It had apparently 'seized up' but a little TLC restored it to perfect working order. When will we next have the chance to scrabble around exhibitor's stalls

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Incidentally does anyone know the correct lubrication for a 70 year old 961 Moore & Wright mike ?

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Thank you Barrie

It was a Christmas present in 1949 along with a 4" square, 4" inside and outside calipers, a 6" rule and scriber all of which I was expected to have as a apprentice. I've still got all of them and still use them. I started work new years day 1950

Roy

There is something very satisfying about having old tools that still work as good as when they where new.

I recently was looking for an imperial 1 inch mic and was about to buy new when I came across a M&W 961B on Ebay for £8. Needed a clean but thats all, works perfectly, feels silky smooth and accurate when checked against slips, even came with the original case. I dont know its age but it must be getting on some.

There is something very satisfying about having old tools that still work as good as when they where new.

I recently was looking for an imperial 1 inch mic and was about to buy new when I came across a M&W 961B on Ebay for £8. Needed a clean but thats all, works perfectly, feels silky smooth and accurate when checked against slips, even came with the original case. I dont know its age but it must be getting on some.

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I like that, made me smile.

This is the high resolution dial caliper I bought, really nicely made tool

If you're after a 0.01mm reading dial caliper, Tesa make one **LINK**

Edited By Pete. on 27/05/2020 19:56:23

Here is my vintage Mike, it is an Elliott, and is dual reading, the thimble can slide and be set to "English" or "French" divisions.

It also has a ratchet for the right feel, way ahead of its time. I believe it could be pre 1850.

Chris Gunn

Yes Mike, 1/64"s on the back.

If you wonder about my name, 'D' is my first initial.

As I said earlier it was second hand. It had been engraved with someone else's name before I stuck it onto the engraver.

I took the trouble to move in close and perhaps for the first time noticed it was a No.230.

Now for a short story ...

In the toolroom, we were discussing a very cheap brand of micrometer. They were die-cast in aluminium with a correspondingly low cost thread assembly. It may even feature here …

**LINK**

[Search for die cast, there are two on Page 71]

During the conversation, a story emerged about the ‘initiation ceremony’ of any freshly appointed toolmaker once they had settled in. For the initiation to work, it was also important that the new arrival was taking sufficient interest in their surroundings.

The story continued, going something like this …

Ensuring the new arrival could see him, Joe, one of the old timers shouts from far across the shop “Hey Fred, lend us thi nawt ta one!”.

“Owd on a minit!” Fred would reply.

He then proceeded to grab his extremely cheap micrometer from amongst his spanners, and pretend to measure something with a tight fist around the barrel. Then with a deft flick of his wrist, he would launch the mike along the concrete floor in Joe’s direction. Trapping it under one foot like a skilful soccer player, Joe would put on a good show of cranking the mike tightly onto a lump of iron, before whizzing the mike back along the floor in Fred’s direction.

“Okay, thanks!” calls Joe, as the mike slid back to its rightful owner.

With equal skill, Fred would grab the instrument, blow on it, and drop it back amongst his spanners.

“Ta!”

You can imagine the look of puzzlement and consternation on the face of the new arrival.

Regards,

Sam