Calipers: How to Read Them
Many people have the following question about calipers — how to read them. A caliper is a tool used to measure diameter or distance and depth. A vernier caliper is a common type of tool used by woodworkers. If you don’t know how to use one of these measuring tools, it’s a good idea to learn right away as they can be very handy in the shop. They are versatile and used for a variety of different jobs.
Often, calipers come in kits that contain measuring tools. These kits are perfect for the beginner woodworkers. They often come with a slide rule, level, awl, caliper and even square set. Sometimes, they contain even more than this and are appropriate for engineers. These more advanced kits aren’t usually needed by the everyday woodworker. You can probably get by with a slide rule, level, calipers and awl. If you search the Internet for woodworking measuring tools you will find a great deal of selection available for you. Now let’s move on to the business of reading a caliper.
When you read a vernier caliper, read the centimeter mark that is on the fixed scale located to the left of the zero mark on the vernier scale. Then, you’ll need to locate the millimeter mark. When you look at the millimeter and vernier marks you are looking for the two that line up. Once you find them, add this number to your prior vernier reading for the result. This sounds a bit complex, but it is easy once you have a caliper in your possession to practice with. If you have a mentor to help you the first few times, then you will likely learn even more quickly.
If you need help reading your caliper, the Internet is a fantastic resource that can help you. Often when you see a visual demonstration on how to do something, it becomes easier for you. You could even read a book on the subject to learn even more. One title devoted to the subject of calipers, how to read them, and how to use them is Micrometers, Calipers and Gages by Thomas A. Hoerner and Forrest W. Bear. In this book you will find helpful illustrations of these tools, information regarding how they are made, and instructions on their proper use.
