looking to buy a Dial Bore Gage

[FirstEliminator]

   Hey guys,

   I am looking at buying a dial bore gage.  I have narrowed down the range to 3 different ones.

    1. Fowler   1.4" to 6"   it's kinda a cheapie at 100 bucks.
    http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-19513-xtender-cylinder-dial-bore-gage-14-to-6-range.aspx

    2. Starrett  12458   About $225 Seems a little better than the Fowler, plus Starrett is the most local to me.
http://www.starrett.com/docs/data-sheets/3089-dial-bore-gages---bulletin-383.pdf?Status=Master
     
 Both of the above have rubber coated handles and a lower end of US made dial bore gages.


    3. Starrett higher end  50392. Can get a used one for 600. But, has nice metal handle and is probably the most tangible feeling tool out of them.


http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail?k=84Z-134-5J


       It probably would be difficult right now to spend $600.  So that kinda leaves the first two. I like Fowler stuff, but are just closer to Starrett. Perhaps I answered my own question. But, let me know wat you think.

   thanks in advance
   

[jayb]

I have the Fowler dial bore gauge and I like it.  Sure, Starrett would be better, but for the limited use I have for it the Fowler works great.  I think the micrometer that you use to set up the dial bore gauge is probably more important than the dial bore gauge itself.

[AlanCasida]

Be aware that not all Starrett stuff is US made. I bought a Starrett dial caliper last year, ordered online, when I got it I was VERY disappointed to see it said "made in China" on the box. I did a web search and found where Starrett said they do make certain models in China. 

[Hemi Joel]

DON'T get any of those 3!  They are the wrong tool. They are only graduated to .0005".  A  .0005 DBG is almost a guessing tool, you might as well use a snap gage.

Look around, and you can find a nice DBG graduated to .0001 for an affordable price. You have to seach, but they are available.  A .0001 guage is SO much more user friendly. Once you get one and use it, you will be very glad that you did. Good luck!

 

[FirstEliminator]

   Looks like it might be this one:
http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail?k=84Z-111-5J


    As you can tell, I get fixated on certain brands.

[Joe M]

LOL!  Being a retired machinist, I have to agree to get one that will read to 10ths.  Only a machinist would think a dial bore gauge that "only" is graduated to 5 tenths is a crude measuring tool!