OT req for info/recommendation

I have used both Mitutoyo and SPI digital calipers. Both are good quality, reasonable price. I got mine at MSC Industrial supply. Here's a link to a catalog page

I buy from an ebay seller called "vhco". I don't have any affiliation with him, other than buying his product before in the 6" and 8" versions. They are accurate and full featured. You probably want the English/Metric absolute model so you can set zero anywhere on the scale and have it remembered. My units have .0005 accuracy but I think some of them are .001. He's a good seller and these import digital calipers are workhorses. I've used them as gifts, as well as in my shop, and in our office too.

I started getting these when I needed an extra to use in my shop and my personal Mitutoyo was always in some spot other than where I was when I needed it. I figured if the cheapo worked pretty well then I'd be happy, but was pleasantly surprised to find that they worked real well. I went back and bought more and now I have them where I need them and no one else in my office has to borrow my Mitutoyo anymore.

I still keep my Mitutoyo on my desk, but mostly just cause it looks impressive :)

- Eddy

Here's a sample of what's he's got now...

Mitutoya is what you need. The china made calipers sometimes will not work. I bought a china made from Harbor Freight and am now having to send them back after 2 months.

Dan

What I "need" is subjective. If I were a professional machinist or designer, yes, I'd go for the "good stuff". I'm just a hobbyist working on a small project and more than likely, the parts I'm working on will be one-offs. I can't really justify $200-300+ for a tool that will, in all likelyhood, end up sitting in a cabinet in a few weeks.

I went ahead and picked up an 8" ABS unit from the guy Eddy Hicks said he uses. Should be here by the end of the week.

Thanks for the input!

I think you'll like. I've bought about 6 units from that guy over the past two or three years without a single issue. My Mitutoyo is higher quality and feels more solid, but they both measure parts the same way, and thankfully, to the same dimension :)

- Eddy

Just curious what brand and how much? BTW the ones I was talking about cost $129. Yeah that still is a little high for a hobbyist. Good luck...

Dan

I looked at Mitutoyo, SPI and Stafford units.. A similar Mitutoyo to what I purchaed would have run me about $150. The SPI was a little cheaper and the Stafford units must've been made of gold (or the local tool shop was enjoying some SERIOUS markup) 'cuz the 8" I looked at was over $300..

I think the $40 I spent is more in tune with my "cheap bastarditis". eheh

Still, the input and suggestions were appreciated.