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Engraved Not Etched - Feeler Gauges?

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by PeteL, Sep 11, 2016.

  1. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Anybody have a source for good feeler gauges with genuine engraved markings like the old days?

    The new etched ones quickly become unreadable. And polishing the gauge will take the mark right off.
     
  2. Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    I've never seen feeler gauges that were engraved, all my Starrett's even my grandfathers which are from the 40's are etched. How the heck do you engrave a .0015 or even a .010 feeler gauge. What you may want are the old acid etched and not the laser etched they use today. Not sure anyone makes those anymore, the last set I bought are "Precision Brand" feel gauges in a pouch. I bought those more than 25 years ago and there still readable today.
    Mine are these but in a blue pouch kit.

    20 Piece Stainless Steel Thickness Gage Poc-Kit® Asst 1/2" x 5" Blades - Precision Brand Products, Inc.
     
  3. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maybe acid-etched is what I mean to say. Thanks for the clarification.

    Whatever it was, on my Dad's set they were deep relief. Elegant too.

    Something like these…

    s-l1600-2.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2016
  4. Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Starrett still makes them like that and so does Precision brand.
     
  5. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Thank you!
     
  6. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    As far as I have been able to determine, newer Starret gauges, and everyone else's, are all laser etched.:(

    SO, I bought a couple of 'vintage' sets on ebay, including the one pictured in my post #3 above.

    They clean up like new and cost only a few bucks.
    They are things of beauty, easy to read, will last forever, and are absolutely lovely.

    A pleasure to behold and gratifying to use.:):):)


    Compare to this newer style Starrett… markings are near invisible. Why why why???

    s-l1600-2.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2016
  7. Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep.. 2024 Sponsor

    I always mic my feelers anyhow, just a habit from work..