New HF cailiper

[Eaglesc]

It's been kind of slow but I thought I would pass this bit along.
My trusty 4 year old HF digital caliper took its last fall over the week end and one of the metal ends broke out of the housing. The thumb wheel went toast about six months ago but was still serviceable.
I went to my local HF yesterday to pick up a new one and noticed they had a "large read out" model.
There were three on the shelf,Not a single one worked correctly.Either the batteries were dead and would not turn on or they would turn on but blink.(maybe indicating a low battery)
These were not the composite ones that only read .xx which are worthless for what I use them for.
This large read out model was blue in color and is in the Thanks giving catalog listed as a "new item"
I was dissapointed because I really needed one.
I then noted in another location in the same aisle the same model I had been using for the last 4 years on sale at $15.99 and a four inch model for $14.99.
Anyway if any of you are out to pick up a new digital caliper make sure it works before before it you buy it.
I hope they don't discontinue the older model.

 

[NCPete]

I was thinking the same thing Mike, tho' having extras of something like that virtually guarantees that the original will NEVER get lost, broken, or stolen:lol:

 

[Ray Martin]

I think the HF models are OK for comparisons but I'd rather go to a high end tool for absolute measurements.

Ray

 

[Eaglesc]

I think the HF models are OK for comparisons but I'd rather go to a high end tool for absolute measurements.

Ray

interesting remark based on your signature:icon_thum:lol::eusa_danc

 

[Gotcha6]

I shop at HF on occasion, and once bought an auto darkening solar powered welding shield there. When IT didn't work it was more than an inconvenience. Ask anyone who's looked directly at a welding arc. If it's something I'm going to depend on it better be dependABLE.

 

[Jim Murphy]

I think the HF models are OK for comparisons but I'd rather go to a high end tool for absolute measurements.

Ray

Unless you're creating "things" that will need to precisely fit "other-things" built by (who else?) others, what's the advantage in an absolute measurement as compared to a relative measurement?

If, using your cheap HF caliper, the tenon measures 0.252" and the mortise is 0.253: and they fit, who cares if the tenon is actually 0.244" and the mortise is 0.246"?

If my (for real) half-inch plywood sheet (which Starret measures at 0.50000000") measures 0.44" on my HF stuff, and I set up my dado to 0.45" using the same caliper, what's the chance my stuff will fit? Ain't that what matters...that your stuff fits?

 

[ebarr]

Eagle,

I actually picked up the 6" model on Sunday for $15.99. Mine worked ok out of the box. Used it last night for some new turnings I have been asked to do for a friend.

 

[DavidF]

Unless you're creating "things" that will need to precisely fit "other-things" built by (who else?) others, what's the advantage in an absolute measurement as compared to a relative measurement?

If, using your cheap HF caliper, the tenon measures 0.252" and the mortise is 0.253: and they fit, who cares if the tenon is actually 0.244" and the mortise is 0.246"?

If my (for real) half-inch plywood sheet (which Starret measures at 0.50000000") measures 0.44" on my HF stuff, and I set up my dado to 0.45" using the same caliper, what's the chance my stuff will fit? Ain't that what matters...that your stuff fits?

You bring up a good point that is often forgotten in the shop there Jim and that is what ever means of measuring you use, always use the same one if you want things to fit. Don't use the 1 ft steel rule for one part and the 16' pocket tape for another, or even two different tapes for that matter! I always make a point of using the same tape/ruler if I want to be accurate.

 

[Eaglesc]

Eagle,

I actually picked up the 6" model on Sunday for $15.99. Mine worked ok out of the box. Used it last night for some new turnings I have been asked to do for a friend.

The one i did purchase for $15.99 worked fine.
Black and silver
It was the new style, blue in color with the larger readout displayed as a new item that the three did not work correctly.