Measuring Devices

It is very important to use the proper devices for measuring the diameter of a blade. While measuring the blade it is also very important to keep the blade perfectly level, any changes in angles or twisting of the blade in any direction can change your readings. I like to place the blade where both ends are the only thing touching two elevated platforms which are at the same height(which keeps the blade level across). This gives much better results than trying to hold the blade in your hand.

Pictured above is the device I use, it is a Fowler machine tool thickness gauge that measures down to 1000th of an inch. You can purchase them at     http://www.fowlerprecision.com/Products/Dial-Inside-and-Outside-Measurement/525500100.html     Please note, you need a deep throat device for measuring wider blades.

Inside & Outside Measurement TOP
Thickness	Caliper Gages	Snap Gages	Bore Gages
Pocket Style Heavy Duty Electronic Snap Cal	Internal Dial External Dial Long Range Heavy Duty Digital Models Deluxe Digital	Dial Snap Gage Electronic Snap Gage John Bull	Xtender-D Series Xtender-E Series Deluxe Cylinder Digital Cylinder Shallow Bore Gage Setting Master

Some types of micrometers may be used for measuring diameters as far as accuracy, but I have found finding ones with proper throat depths can be a problem and using the devices themselves for measuring blades can be difficult.

This type of caliber shown below, is fine for measuring width and length but it IS NOT accurate for measuring diameters.


If you read my following post, you will see just why using proper equipment is critical.