Machinist

[Lawrence London <lfljvenaura@gmail.com>]

Reading a scale
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/reading-scale-260827/

Here is how you read a scale with precision. Do not use a flexible scale easy to get a false reading. I use a 6 inch (think its about .040 thick, your scale should be fairly new,no wear or burrs on the end. These scales are engraved with .004 thick lines.Use an optivisor or eye loupe,hold scale against end of workpiece. Be careful not to set in a radius. Get a good light with sheet of paper in background, light brown might be better to cut down on glare. When everything is lined up .004 will look like the Grand Canyon .This will be very easy to read accurately. Regards from Connecticut Remember ( If you think you can't or If you think you can, you're right! ( I think Ford said that)

Let's start with this How to Read a Vernier Caliper - YouTube

There are vernier calipers and then there are vernier calipers. There are those intended for accuracy and then there are those (cheap) intended for getting a ball park figure. The point to remember is what you read may not be the actual size as they are as a rule less accurate than dial and digital. Their biggest advantage is that they last a lot longer with care, than the other two types.

http://www.f-m-s.dk/DIN862.pdf

I can't even remember the last time I used an inch vernier but metric verniers have scales in 0.1mm (0.004"), 0.05mm (0.002") and the best 0.02mm (0.0008"). The last group should be able to be read to 0.001".

I detest dial calipers, love digital but use my verniers frequently. I've found that reading a vernier is like the time when you, as a kid, asked grown ups what the time was and then one day it was so obvious you hadn't a clue why you'd found it to be difficult.

Bottom line? With a good vernier it can be read to 0.001" with no problem.
Never forget though that what you read on a caliper doesn't mean that that is what the size really is Check regularly and keep it clean.

Gordon