Learn to use an Outside Micrometer

Have you ever needed to measure the thickness of materials like paper, wires, dowel rods, stamps, cloth? You should consider using an Outside Micrometer! Don't be intimidated by the lack of a digital readout. They are easy to learn to use and:

• An outside micrometer often has a larger range than other types of micrometers
  
• An outside micromter is more affordable than the thickness gauge style micrometers which have a dial or digital face.
  
• An outside micrometer may work in applications in which the measurement is taken in an awkward position or that requires a reach, whereas the thickness gauges require a much more steady hand with which to take the measurement.
• A user with a larger hand span can learn to maneuver the outside micrometer with one hand.
• And if you need to have an extra hand, you can purchase an outside micrometer stand.
  

So, if you are thinking about buying an outside micrometer, or you already own one and you are having trouble learning how to use it, read our "How to use a micrometer" page. It will tell you everything you need to know to take outside measurements using an outside micrometer with either a .001" or .0001" resolution.

--Happy Measuring!

What is a Linen Tester?

Some customers who come to our site looking for a high-powered folding magnifier will come across the term "Linen Tester" and wonder what it means. Well, we're here to help! Linen Testers, in terms of magnifiers (not people) are, in general, small folding magnifiers with measuring gradients along the bottom surface that is visible while looking through the lens. The product below (a 6x Metal Linen Tester) is a good example. In the picture below you can see the top and bottom hinges that allow the magnifier to fold very flat for easy portability. You can also see the white measurement marks on the base. Linen Testers (or thread counters) were originally developed for the textile industry to help people examine the type and quality of textile weaves. They were made hinged and foldable for portability and had the measurement marks for easy comparison. Our linen testers (and other folding magnifiers) are being used in a wide range of applications including print shops, circuit board manufacturing, and stamp collecting. (I know a few of our employees like to use them to help remove splinters because a linen tester base help keep the skin pressed down while the open comparator area allows easy access by a tweezers.)

Decimal Points Refresher

Often, measuring with a caliper or micrometer means you are going to be talking about very small numbers. For example, the thickness of a piece of paper, film, or even a mouse ear! Sometimes, it is easy to get tangled up and confused by what to call all those digits behind the decimal point. To help get our customers untangled we created a web page that illustrates decimal point places as a handy reference. Let us know what you think by submitting a comment.

July 7th Sale Items

We sent out a newsletter today to our customers. It included these sale items:

15x Focusing Magnifier-in-a-Box

Item 1015 $64.00 Sale price: $49.95
Sharp, photographic-quality, optical lens group composed of two coated lenses. Adjustable focus. Heavy, solid, metal construction. Lens pops out of box for use, conceals for protection. Includes protective case.

Lens Diameter: 5/8"
Viewing Area: 3/8" diam. Overall Size: 2-1/8" x 1-1/8" x 7/8"

.001" Outside Micrometer

Item 9500 $49.95 Sale price: $37.95 An all-purpose, standard mechanical micrometer calibrated in increments of 0.001". Positive contact to gauge the thickness of all types of paper and paperboard. Range: 0-1" Resolution: .001" Overall Size: 5-1/2" x 1" x 2-1/4" 10x Focusing Octagon Collimating Magnifier Item 1130Regular price: $59.95 Sale price: $39.95 Eliminates parallax, offers Quick Alignment. Ensure the accuracy of the final register by stripping and lining up properly. Elminate errors by forcing the eye to look straight down at a right angle to the surface. Multiple operators can print a plate and lock up the chase the same. Fatigued eyes look at the line up mark in the same way as fresh eyes. Compare to Para-Mag™ and StripMaster™. You won't find a better price anywhere! Flat field of view. Focusing, coated, achromatic lens group. Clear base allows for easy and bright viewing in low-light levels. Protective case included. Lens Diameter: 1/4" Viewing Area: 1/4" diam. Overall Size: 1" x 1" x 1-3/4"

The first post!

Don't let the name fool you-our products can be used for graphics work or any application where fine inspection is required. Using this blog we'll be able to let our current and potential customers know about our great line of products including micrometers & calipers, high-powered magnifiers, pre-press equipment, plant & workplace safety equipment, and microscopes.

We'll let you know when we have sales, and discuss the uses of our equipment. We hope you will find this information useful.