Author Topic: 1/2" Micrometer  (Read 15419 times)

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Country: gb
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
1/2" Micrometer
« on: December 04, 2013, 02:29:36 PM »
It was our clubs auction night last night, where members donate unwanted item to be auctioned off for club funds. As the action was coming to an end a lot of miscellaneous item came under the item there were all sorts of bits of bobs in it that included sealing wax and a 1/2" micrometre,  now 1/2" mics are unusual I have only come across one before that belonged to an old work colleague, he kept it in his draw using it from time to time as the need arose, knowing he had it I also borrowed it, there was something real sweet about it  just sat in your hand. Before a could cuck in a bid someone piped up I'll give you £4 quid was the wax, bang sold, so I asked the buyer if he would sell me the mic, no I won't sell it i'll give it you he said and handed it to me, so in the sprit of the occasion I put £1 into the pop.

It was made by a firm called ROBBLAK (never heard of them) it has a previous owners name lightly engraved in it G.Haris. and on the other face its stamped up as FOREIGN No 502 and it has a company calibration reference number etched 4D

When I got it home I stripped down and stuck the parts in my ultrasonic cleaner to get rid of the gunk, I then put it back together zeroed it up checked it across its range with slips it was spot on the locking ring works and the ratchet was nice and sweet. It now sits on my desk where I find myself handing and as a kind of comforter. Its a real nice bit of kit to just hold:- yes I know I'm a sad old bastard but I just love tools



Stew

A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline NormanV

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 629
  • Country: gb
  • United Kingdom
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #1 on: December 04, 2013, 02:49:02 PM »
I used to have a Moore and Wright 1/2" mike, it was in new condition. I used it occasionally but there was nothing that it could do that I couldn't do with a 1" mike. Nevertheless it was nice to use until someone stole it.
Norman

Offline mattinker

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1316
  • Country: fr
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2013, 03:40:56 PM »


When I got it home I stripped down and stuck the parts in my ultrasonic cleaner to get rid of the gunk, I then put it back together zeroed it up checked it across its range with slips it was spot on the locking ring works and the ratchet was nice and sweet. It now sits on my desk where I find myself handing and as a kind of comforter. Its a real nice bit of kit to just hold:- yes I know I'm a sad old bastard but I just love tools



Stew

I can really identify with a comforter like that!

Regards, Matthew

Offline flutedchamber

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 35
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2013, 04:10:24 PM »
I have a similar mic that belonged to my late father.  It is a Starrett that according to them goes back to the very early forties.  Comforting indeed.  It is one of my most prized possessions. :thumbup:

Offline John Stevenson

  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1643
  • Nottingham, England.
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2013, 05:08:56 PM »
I used to have one as well, just reminds me i haven't seen it in ages. Mind you can't remember the last time I used my 0 - 1"
If I'm doing imperial I tend to convert and use my metric mics.
John Stevenson

Offline Stilldrillin

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4972
  • Country: gb
  • Staveley, Derbyshire. England.
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2013, 05:21:50 PM »
Nice little thing, showing it's history. 

Very long ago, one of my mentors used one, regularly. I used to think, "whatever for?". When a 1" would span more sizes!  :scratch:

I fully understand. Now........ :thumbup:

David D
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

Offline John Stevenson

  • In Memoriam
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1643
  • Nottingham, England.
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2013, 06:49:40 PM »
Can you get 0 - 10mm ones  or 0 -12mm ?
Would be handy at times on the smaller parts.
John Stevenson

Offline borriss

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 9
  • Country: au
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #7 on: December 05, 2013, 03:34:49 AM »
sbwhart,
Robblak used to advertise a hand shaper in Model Engineer during the 1940s ( I think).
I have a Mitutoyo 0-15mm mike, obtained in 1976. Just looked at it, it is a ball anvil on it.
Cheers,
Borriss

Offline ziggar

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 20
  • Country: gb
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #8 on: December 05, 2013, 08:24:46 AM »
heres one

http://tinyurl.com/pnzbgnx


Can you get 0 - 10mm ones  or 0 -12mm ?
Would be handy at times on the smaller parts.

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Country: gb
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #9 on: December 05, 2013, 10:47:49 AM »
 :nrocks:

Thanks for you're reply guys:-

Borriss I've since found out that Robblak were Roberts, Black and Co., 19-21 Brazennose St. Manchester 2. so why it was stamped FORIGN is a mystery, unless they were the importers or it was in use by the company and they marked it up to stop it wondering.

Stew
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline awemawson

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8966
  • Country: gb
  • East Sussex, UK
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #10 on: December 05, 2013, 11:13:24 AM »
heres one

http://tinyurl.com/pnzbgnx


Can you get 0 - 10mm ones  or 0 -12mm ?
Would be handy at times on the smaller parts.

And it's even in John's home town !

I reckon that perhaps it was stamped 'foreign'  as it was destined for export but never got there !

Andrew
Andrew Mawson
East Sussex

Offline Meldonmech

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 933
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #11 on: December 06, 2013, 11:27:17 AM »

           Interesting, this is the first one I have seen with a brass frame, at least it can't become magnetic.

                                                 Cheers David

Offline kayz1

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 114
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #12 on: December 06, 2013, 03:40:27 PM »
I have one from my dads old tool box.
On one side it says, LBS belowe that is English Gauge belowe that is No 225.
On the other side it says.
Brown and Sharpe Mfg.Co.
Providence RI. USA.
Nice little thing to hold it has lots of numbers stamped into it on both sides.
  Lyn.

Offline velocette

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 152
  • Country: nz
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #13 on: December 06, 2013, 07:26:33 PM »

           Interesting, this is the first one I have seen with a brass frame, at least it can't become magnetic.

                                                 Cheers David
Hi is the frame Brass - Bronze or is it "Beryllium Copper" as used for tools in hazardous environment -  explosive atmosphere

Eric

Offline sbwhart

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3530
  • Country: gb
  • Smile, Be Happy, Have Fun and Rock Until you Drop
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #14 on: December 07, 2013, 01:58:09 AM »

           Interesting, this is the first one I have seen with a brass frame, at least it can't become magnetic.

                                                 Cheers David
Hi is the frame Brass - Bronze or is it "Beryllium Copper" as used for tools in hazardous environment -  explosive atmosphere

Eric

It must be the picture that makes it look brass it is in fact steel:- un-chromed.

Stew
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline AdeV

  • Madmodder Committee
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2434
  • Country: gb
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #15 on: December 07, 2013, 09:12:25 AM »
I have an old M&W 0-15mm  - I think.... it siezes up at around 12mm, I think due to rust on the moving shaft. Up to about 10mm though it works really nicely, considering it must have spent the better part of 10 years lost under a bench and flooded every time we had heavy rain.
Cheers!
Ade.
--
Location: Wallasey, Merseyside. A long way from anywhere.
Occasionally: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...

Offline mechman48

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 327
  • Country: gb
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #16 on: December 24, 2013, 11:24:50 AM »
Hi all  :wave:

For your info I have a 0 - 15mm mini mic purchased 'special offer' from Allendale electronics... (usual disclaimer), have now .. well tomorrow, (chrissie prezzie from me to me ) will be getting 3" DRO vernier. will now be able to put both in my workshop coat pocket so the man cave gremlins will be unable to hide them when I put them down... I hope  :scratch:

Merry Xmas to all
George

George.


Always look on the bright side of life, & remember.. KISS..' Keep It Simple Stupid'

Offline AR1911

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 47
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #17 on: February 03, 2014, 08:21:14 PM »
I ran across a 1/2" mic at a flea market years ago, and had to have it.  Mine has a Zamak (zinc pot-metal) frame and is marked "Handy"  and "Made in USA" and "Sold only in Woolworths Stores".  Obviously a low-quality item but it works.
   A few years ago littlemachineshop.com offered an import .6" mic on sale, so I had to have that. It's nicely made, chromed steel. 
   Oddly, neither has a vernier to read tenths.

Offline Mike4

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 9
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #18 on: March 22, 2014, 03:45:27 AM »
 I recently purchased a 0-15mm on Ebay and its a Tokyo Eikosha KK , its a very nice fit in one hand and I find that I can use it inside cases to measure mall shafts without having to remove more than a cover.

Very handy little addition.
Michael

Offline hermetic

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 765
  • Country: england
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #19 on: March 27, 2014, 04:45:15 PM »
Here is my 1/2" mic. Made by Ambrose Shardlow of Sheffield, whose other claim to fame was forging the crankshafts for Merlin engines. Now look at the address and realise it is now a shopping centre! Now we Spit-fire.
Phil
« Last Edit: March 27, 2014, 10:12:59 PM by dsquire »
Man who says it cannot be done should not disturb man doing it! https://www.youtube.com/user/philhermetic/videos?

Offline hermetic

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 765
  • Country: england
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #20 on: March 27, 2014, 04:47:42 PM »
sorry, that pic is humungous, moderators can you sort it please, and tell me what I did wrong?
Man who says it cannot be done should not disturb man doing it! https://www.youtube.com/user/philhermetic/videos?

Offline Stilldrillin

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4972
  • Country: gb
  • Staveley, Derbyshire. England.
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #21 on: March 27, 2014, 06:28:38 PM »
sorry, that pic is humungous, moderators can you sort it please, and tell me what I did wrong?

Looks fine, to me........  :scratch:

The perfect size. On my screen.  :thumbup:

David D
« Last Edit: March 27, 2014, 06:58:36 PM by Stilldrillin »
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

Offline awemawson

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8966
  • Country: gb
  • East Sussex, UK
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #22 on: March 27, 2014, 06:50:29 PM »
I 'supose that it must depend on what browser you are using - yes on mine it's HUGE.

640 x 480 is a good compromise between detail and screen real estate
Andrew Mawson
East Sussex

Offline hermetic

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 765
  • Country: england
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #23 on: March 28, 2014, 04:26:38 AM »
I think the "mods" have fixed it, it is perfect on mine now.
Phil :wave:
Man who says it cannot be done should not disturb man doing it! https://www.youtube.com/user/philhermetic/videos?

Offline superc

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 104
  • Country: us
Re: 1/2" Micrometer
« Reply #24 on: April 10, 2014, 11:40:41 AM »
Neat.

A bemusement is almost nothing mentioned in this thread is shown in the otherwise excellent micrometer collection illustrated in the PDF document at this page.  Gosh, he doesn't even mention Palmer who invented the silly things.  I have two, both cheap of Chinese manufacture.

Sadly, I hardly ever use mine and prefer the sliding type dial caliper for most tasks.

http://cofes.com/Portals/0/COFES_2012/COFES2012_MICROMETERS.pdf