Re: Good idea?
Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:37 am
The problem with the pen type gauge, when it comes to accuracy, is that the moving parts are exposed to the atmosphere and everything else that goes with it... which is another way of saying that it's only has any reference to reality if it's kept clean and looked after. Even the cheapest dial gauge is to a (variable) extent protected from the elements. That being said, I agree that a cheap dial gauge is probably no better than a cheap pen gauge.
When I bought the PCL gauge it came with a plastic pouch... needless to say that didn't last... but it also had and still has a cap that fits over the working bits to keep them clean. All in all, I think that the PCL version is well made and well thought out. This isn't true of some of the offerings I've seen where a thin linear scale protrudes through an over sized hole in the end of the gauge and no cover is supplied. In general, I'm quite happy with the PCL gauge... it has remained consistent over it's life so far and has always agreed within reasonable limits, with other sources. I would be unhappy to use it as a sole source though.
The problem with calibrating a gauge (well any measuring device really) is that you need a reliable reference to calibrate it to. If you try to adjust things without a reference, you are just as likely to make it worse as you are to make it better.
Rob
When I bought the PCL gauge it came with a plastic pouch... needless to say that didn't last... but it also had and still has a cap that fits over the working bits to keep them clean. All in all, I think that the PCL version is well made and well thought out. This isn't true of some of the offerings I've seen where a thin linear scale protrudes through an over sized hole in the end of the gauge and no cover is supplied. In general, I'm quite happy with the PCL gauge... it has remained consistent over it's life so far and has always agreed within reasonable limits, with other sources. I would be unhappy to use it as a sole source though.
The problem with calibrating a gauge (well any measuring device really) is that you need a reliable reference to calibrate it to. If you try to adjust things without a reference, you are just as likely to make it worse as you are to make it better.
Rob