Gonna be doing a couple builds and obsessing over which to get.
Fowler digital, Fowler dial, used Mitutoyo? Trying to stay ~200.
I've used dial in production machining (not automotive.)
Want to know if the digital is worth the extra and if they're reliable?

 

I know this is an old thread but I'm bumping cause I'm looking for the same answer....

 

you want the truth? in the machinist world fowler is crap...mitutoyo isnt bad. brown and sharp and starrett is the way to go. i use cheap $45 calipers at work daily but you gotta take care of the stuff. i would got buy some starrett telescoping gauges and some mics....you cant really break the **** and its accurate as hell

 

i was looking at this fowler. what do you think?
http://www.amazon.com/Fowler-FOW74-6...SIN=B000GTIL9C

and these mic's, these are the only ones that i found in a set.http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00996279000P

 

For that much cash buy telescoping gauges...u can get an 0-6 set on eBay for around 100 and you can buy the mics you need, don't buy off brand mics....I bought a slightly used set of 0-3 mics on eBay for 120 shipped. With the telescoping gauges they are more versatile and you can get them in more places, plus you don't have to worry about dropping them. It's your money do as you like. I use what I just mentioned every day at work and if ou pick up the stuff on eBay you can get it cheaper than what you found

 

thanks for the input. ill lookaround on ebay for diffrent mics.
ill have to check out sometelescoping gauges too. ihavent looked into them since everything i been reading pointed towards bore gauges.

 

helped me too

 

I bought a digital fowler gauge off my snap on truck.. One of the best things I got this year

 

I would stay analog. If you don't use the digitals for a long time, the batteries die.

I prefere a dial bore gage over telescoping because I can see the changes in the diameter real-time.

 

true you can see the changes in real time. i dont meant to harp on the telescoping gauges, but you can use them on places other than the cylinder bores, so you may be able to use them more. for you people that want something that is reliable get the double spring loaded gauges. basically it comes down to this:

digital bore gauge:
Pros:
-easy to read
-ease of use
-only need one tool to measure
-some have carbide tips

Cons:
-bulky (wont fit into tight spaces)
-pretty much junk if you drop them or bump them hard
-have to change tips for different bores (could be pro or con i suppose)
-batteries die
-have heard that the digital screens will sometimes go for no reason.
(buddys digital calipers did it to him)
-may not be "coolant proof" or may be damaged if fluids are spilled on it

Telescoping gauges and mics:
Pros:
-easy to switch to
-small, will fit into tight spaces
-mics can be used all over the car
-reliability (wont break easily when dropped)
mics can be re-zeroed very easily
-price (buck for buck, you can get more tool for the same price)
-measuring, i can honestly say gauges are accurate to .0001"
-you dont need to worry about fluids or oils
-can get carbide tipped mics

Cons:
-more tools = more clutter
-mics and gauges require "feel" to insure proper measuring
-gotta know how to read mics


hope this helps all of you that are weighing the options

 

I'd recommend a quality set of mic's and a set of Starett telescoping gauges for you. You are purchasing these tools for your build right ?

This is exactly what I'll be using to assembly my engine. Those Starett gauges( like any telescoping gauges) take some practice so I'd advise you play about with them for a bit and try to get consistent readings.

Here:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDNP2...e_gdata_player

 

Nice video rich. Yeah this is gonna be for my build even though the block and bearing clearances are going to be done at the machine shop I want to be able to double checck. I'm picking up everything today actually it all got balanced bored and honed now I just need to slap it all together and gap the rings.

 

Sounds good man,

That's the exact same reason i brought the tools what i have. For what me and you need them for there more than fine. If you was about to open your own shop and planned to do engine after engine all day everyday i'd say different. If you went with either the digital or analog dial bore gauge you'd probably need two of them & for one decent gauge your spending big money.

Just remember to practise, practise, practise with your tools and make sure your getting more or less consistent readings everytime.

I use to sit a old crank and rod next to my laptop and everytime i was waiting for something to load up i'd be practising.

Looking forward to the updates