2 Axis DRO Made From Vernier Calipers

[Improvised DIY]

[rayh__]

Can you please post a close up picture of the vernier scale on either of those calipers.

They sure look like digital calipers to me and I've never seen a digital caliper with a vernier scale.

[DIYer]

Thanks Improvised DIY! We've added your 2 Axis DRO to our Lathe Accessories category,
as well as to your builder page: Improvised DIY's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

2 Axis DRO by Improvised DIY

tags: caliper, DRO

[DIYSwede]

Can you please post a close up picture of the vernier scale on either of those calipers.

They sure look like digital calipers to me and I've never seen a digital caliper with a vernier scale.

Seems just like it's Groundhog Day again?

-We've covered this purely semantic issue before: Vernier Scale for Homemade Milling Machine

2 cents
Johan (self-imposed volunteer)

[Improvised DIY]

[Frank S]

I wish my success rate with digital calipers was not so abysmal, as I would like to mount them on my lathes and mill to use as DRO, it matters not if they are el-cheapo or Mitutoyo, I simply cannot trust them to have continual repeatability beyond using them a few times. I do know that a lot of the issues I have with them can be contributed to work environment not having a climate-controlled cleanroom type facility

[Improvised DIY]

Hi Frank. I have noticed that they tend to lose their position when swarf or metal dust enters into the main body. I keep mine clean and check the positioning regularly.

[Frank S]

Hi Frank. I have noticed that they tend to lose their position when swarf or metal dust enters into the main body. I keep mine clean and check the positioning regularly.

I've even had mid-price range digital calipers and micrometers have repeatability issues right out of the box while still in the store while handling them. If I grip the module for a few minutes then slide it out zero it slide it in zero it then slide it out and in a few times the zero will be off, about the only way it will not change is if I thumbwheel it out and in without touching the module. Pinching the bar between my thumb and forefinger and rubbing from end to end can have the same effect sometimes.

[mklotz]

Seems just like it's Groundhog Day again?

-We've covered this purely semantic issue before: Vernier Scale for Homemade Milling Machine

2 cents
Johan (self-imposed volunteer)

I have to agree, using "Verniers" as a synonym for "calipers" is just plain wrong. That said, there's another nit here that needs picking...

Since Monsieur Vernier...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Vernier

was a real person, I think we should capitalize his name when we refer to Vernier scales.

In the metric system, units named for people (e.g. Newton, Pascal, Kelvin) are always capitalized. Granted, Vernier scales are not part of the metric system but I think he deserves the same degree of respect.

Sadly, Wikipedia seems to disagree with me. Their article above refers to "vernier scales", although they capitalize the name of the man who devised them.

[Improvised DIY]

Interesting enough is that around where I live no one uses the term calipers. If you use the word calipers they immediately assume that you referring to disc brakes. My father used to be a machinist and still refers to calipers as Verniers. That's the reason why I used both terms in the title. Even our local supplier uses both terms to avoid confusion on what they are selling. I am not a machinist by trade and do not know all the terminology. I do not even own a machinist handbook. It's my hobby in which I am still learning and will eventually pick up all the terms. I have only started this hobby 6 months ago. My idea is to share ideas and endeavors and not to educate as I don't qualify.