Going to rebuild my b18b and have found info everywhere on what tools i need to check the machinest work before i put her together. Can someone point me to a good thread on this. Guys like me who build an engine every 10 years find it hard to invest in tools that are really good when they are barely used. I hate to say it but harbor freight tools are getting good reviews for accuracy

 

Go on Amazon and order a set of Mitutoyo micrometers, dial bore gauge, and dial calipers.

that, at minimum, is what you should have.

You'll find more use for those than you think as well.

 

Mitutoyo, Starett, Sunnen, and Dyer are the preferred brands for quality and accuracy.

Most machine shops tend to utilize Sunnen in particular for hand measurements.

 

Fowler should also be on that list. I prefer Mitu or Starett, but I do have a Fowler caliper at home that I've owned for years and has been great.

 

I too own several Fowler tools. low cost, and very accurate/consistent for what they are.

 

 

You guys nailed it.

I would also recommend to anyone looking at getting into some machinist stuff: browse ebay.

I own a machine shop and I still get the occasional inside mic or tool on ebay. Keep it to the brands you know and look for someone unloading some older stuff that was well taken care of or buy new on there. The cheapest supplier I could find for our alu-power end mills was on ebay believe it or not. The list price on their site is $2-3 more than the ebay listing. Doesn't make any sense since ebay takes a cut as well as paypal.