(quoted from post at 09:05:33 01/08/13) I would like to start doing some measuring of engine parts instead of relying on the machine shop and plastigage all of the time. What tools do you have and what brand do you recommend?
Dial Caliper for general measuring
Micrometer to measure bearings and the crankshaft
Bore Gage to measure the cylinder bores 2"-6"
Long feeler gages to measure piston clearance in the sleeve.
(Am I correct on the above, and what else should I have?)
Thanks!
Well, the real question here is how much money do you want to spend? Starrett is the "US" brand, although they now have a made in china line of tools at a lower price- I can't comment on the quality of the chineese line. Mitutoyo is another Quality brand, mostly made in Japan, some is made in US and Brazil. Brown and Sharpe is also very good stuff- Made is Switzerland or USA. Many old toolmakers swear by swiss made tools. I have some of all of the above, (except the chineese Starrett)and even some Lufkin- if you come by that, it's good too- and old! A few guys at work collect Lufkin- made right here in MI! Old Fowler stuff is Ok, new stuff is chineese so-so.
I'd look for used "brand name" tools rather than new- you won't need new. That being said, for the most part, new Chineese made tools will work well enough for you. What tool catalogs do you get? Production tool is a local company to me (the shop I work for uses them), There are places like Penn Tool and MSC that are "nationwide" retailers. (all of above can be found on the web.) I personally would watch Ebay or go to some yard sales, etc, and buy used name brand tools. Expect to pay about 1/2 price of new- kind of an industry standard for used precision tools.
You'll need a set of Micrometers up through 3" I believe, and a set of gauge blocks to set up your bore gauge- unless you choose to set it over your mic's. A bore gauge is nice, but you'd do just fine with Micrometers and good telescoping gauges. (might also cost you a little less, but then you'll need a bigger mic set.) Telescoping gauges do wear out- be careful. But, you can "R+R" an old set by taking them apart and honing off the burrs that wear onto them- I did that with an old Lufkin set, they now work pretty well. Dial calipers- I'd buy new, you'll use it lots, IMHO Brown and Sharpe is the nicest. You may also want a set of depth mics, for measuring sleeve protrusion above the deck, and counterbore depth on wet sleeves. You can use your good calipers for this, though.
Sorry for the long post, Machinist by trade here, and as with anything, I'm no expert, but I'll share what I know. Any more questions, Just ask! -Andy
