JerrySharrett
Senile Member
It's not unusual (in fact, it's common) for me to measure the same thing more than once and get more than one reading on my digital calipers -- by as much as .002. Is that likely because I don't know how to measure or because of cheap calipers? Is it common for you guys to get the same measurement every time?
Bill, are you talking about digital linear calipers or digital micrometer calipers? Digital is nice, especially when the battery is good but the digital reading, 4 digits worth to the right of the decimal is deceiving because you can "see" for real!! However, the accuracy of that instrument is only as accurate as 1) its feedback system, and 2) the calibration method and standard you used to calibrate it with and 3) the feel you have developed by using a precision measuring instrument "buncjes" of times.
Getting a 0.002" difference from measurement to measurement of the same object sounds like you might not be there just yet. Hang on though, you will get better.