Topic: Measurement tools

[Kickstart]

Diving into rebuilding my 75 cb750F... and was thinking I probably should get a couple of measurement tools (at least better ones than I have now.)

I've read a couple of threads here... seems like the consensus is don't go too cheap and try to get a better name brand if financially feasible like Brown & Sharpe, Starrett, or Mitutoyo. 

So I was planning a placing an order with MSC, but I had a couple of questions:

What does everyone use for a stand, for a dial test indicator?  I see in shop manuals people measuring run-out on various parts, but how do you attach the dial indicator to some other part of the bike and position it correctly?  Will magnetic stands work on our bikes (I assume they wouldn't if I already have the engine out of the bike)

What's the recommended scale range for a dial reading range for our bikes?

Also, I have two old Mitutoyo micrometers (1" and 2") I picked up on ebay over 12 years ago.  Should I take them somewhere to be calibrated (and what type of place does this)?

And one last question, any other tools I should consider?  Here's what I'm putting together:
- Caliper
- Dial indicator (with some sort of stand/attachment)
- 1" and 2" micrometers (assuming they're accurate enough)
Should I get bore gauges?... I'm going to have my cylinders bored out, so I don't think I need big ones... maybe I should get a 1" one?

Thanks!
Chris

[LesterPiglet]

Vernier calipers and with these you can measure your micrometers.

[Kickstart]

Thanks Lester... but I thought Vernier calipers were less accurate than micrometers... so I don't think that would work.

[dave500]

digital verniers,dont worry about bore guages if your getting it re bored,the shop will do all the measuring,ive also just made up jigs to hold a dial indicator for what ever purpose if the magnetic base isnt stable or on non ferrous surface.

[wrenchmuch]

There is a reference block i know as a 1,2,3 block . its used to calibrate micrometers . Any place that sells measurement tools should be able to sell you one .
http://www.veritastools.com/products/Page.aspx?p=66

[JeffSTL]

Mitutoyo instruments are excellent you will probably be fine.  If your are ordering things from msc add a few micrometer calibration standards to check your mics with.  1-2-3 blocks are used to set up machines and you would never be able to get close trying to set them off of calipers.

[Rigid]

Use micrometers when you can, they are more accurate than vernier calipers including digital.  It has to do with the positioning of the measuring surfaces and how a micrometer anvil can be held more accurately to the surface being measured.  Most dial indicator kits have what I like to call the "monkey motion" pieces to clamp and pivot the dial as needed.  We use specially designed fixtures in our lab at work (aircraft engine shop) but you can improvise as long as it is accurate and repeatable.  As far as calibrating, small mics are just closed lightly and verify the o is lined up with the read line.  A small wrench is used if it doesn't align perfectly.  As mentioned, calibration blocks are available.  You might consider borrowing some of these tools if you don't plan on doing many engines.  Nice to have around though for other things.  Enjoy.

[Kickstart]

Thanks for all the advice!

[JeffSTL]

Micrometers are accurate to .0001" calipers to .001" .  The problem with just zeroing a mic is that if it has been dropped ever it might not measure correctly across it's range even though you can set it to zero.  Mtiutoyo Mics are good quality and you will probably be fine but it wouldn't hurt to check them against a standard or a couple gage pins.  As far as calipers go you can get by pretty cheap they are not as fine of an instrument.  I'm a machinist by trade and in 18yrs. the only time I have had a mic that could not be calibrated was a dropped digital mic.  Don't worry about how old they are a quality mic will out live all of us.

[Kickstart]

What type of dial indicator should I get... a DTI (lever) or Drop indicator (plunger)?

The DTI seems more convenient but I don't see how you can get an accurate reading with it (unless you do a little trigonometry conversion calculation... but then again, I really don't have any knowledge about this stuff.)

I know I'll also want to use this to help me true wheels in addition to measuring engine parts... does that require two different indicator ranges... and what would those ranges be?

Thanks again for the help!
Chris

[754]

 All 1inch inch mikes are self checking.. Dial indicator shoould bed OK for your needs, Dioal test are more pricey and have smaller range.. ie cant check a cam with one. Make your own stuff to hold a magnetic base, like piece of plate and bolts or hose clamps or whatever.. good luck..

[JeffSTL]

No micrometers are "self checking".. A damaged mic may zero and still not measure correctly across it's range. If you don't want to get standards or pins to check them against when you close the1" mic check to see that the anvils line up exactly, if so, you are probably ok.  To zero the mic lightly close it on a piece of paper then drag across to clean the anvils then close and check for zero. Adjust if needed by turning the barrel.  As far as other instruments and applications I think the Honda manual explains how to check various things and what to check  them with.  Sorry typing on my tiny phone.

[Sparked]

A dial indicator(1" travel type) can measure accurately when set square to the work. A dial test indicator should only be used for comparative measurements, not direct measuring.

Sent from my Atari

[JeffSTL]

Look at Fowler or SPI drop indicators. They are decent cheap brands. A 1" travel .0005 graduation will probably be about $50 a starret or similar is around $150 I think.

[dave500]

dont cheap out on basic feeler guages either,,buy a good set.