In this video, i calibrate a Starrett #216 mechanical digital micrometer. NO BATTERIES REQUIRED. Please subscribe & click on the little bell in order to be informed of new videos.
2 1/2 cups of coffee... I absolutely love it. Keep up the ramblings. You must have been a riot as a shop teacher. I'd have loved being a high-schooler in your shop class.
Thanks Mr.Pete for the video, These videos are like going on a journey with old friend, you may meander, but it's the pleasant company that makes it great.
"Oh, I'm an old man and can barely see to get this screwdriver on this screw." 3 seconds later he expertly impales a tiny beetle right in the middle on its back. Alright Mr. Pete, what other fibs are you going to tell today?
Those are an Asian version of the familiar ladybug. You can recognize them by the pattern of white dots on the head forming an "M" (or a "W" depending on which way you look). Not only do they stink, they bite! (Not a venomous sting, but a moderate pinching bite.) They were imported to control some other pest (on almond or pecan trees maybe?) and as usual when you mess with Mother Nature, they became a pest in their own right. We had them here in Michigan in swarms in the 2000s, but they seem to have dropped back to a mere nuisance in recent years.
Brilliant video Mr. Pete222, very informative and full of anecdotes as usual which just add to the fun of watching. I'm sure, collectively, we here in the UK are always entertained and enlightened by your knowledge and story craft.
You are the best! Thanks I needed to fix one of these 216 mics. And i haven't seen many of these in 38 years of Calibration. You coached me thru it and now its good as new. Thimble fix isveasy but the counter is a to different animal. Thanks again
You are brave man Mr. Pete. Trying to adjust the Mic with tiny screws after having 2.5 cups of coffee. LOL I have a Starrett #216 1-2" and absolutely love it.
Fred Miller I'm on eBay right now looking for one. They are all in auction I'd rather just buy it now LOL Mr. Pete has influenced me more than anyone else on this planet as far as learning and trying to do things the proper way. I'm an old Todd your myself and kind of sick and if it wasn't for mr. P I would be laying on my couch doing nothing. But instead I got a couple of Lay's and a mill and if I don't have a project in mind I will go out and clean my machines and do maintenance just to be active. Now back to eBay I need to find one of these LOL
.."tallahatchie bridge" LOL - Your trembling with the excitement of working on your favorite brand of tools........and coffee!! - Thank goodness for Optivisors. - Looking for a 216 on Ebay now. Great little demonstration video. See you next time.
Thank you so much for the lesson Mr. Pete. It's clear that you chose the right profession and I'm glad to have had you impart some of your knowledge to me. You and my Highschool shop teacher would have gotten along very well. Have a wonderful day.
Great video Mr. Pete, thanks for showing us how that works. I like the mechanical digital too, it's the best of both worlds. And you're right in that it's perfect for the videos as well. Nice gift from Russ!
Being an italian guy, i can only imagine how an american guy can be proud of starrett tools. Watching a lot of video from other US youtube creators, it's evident that starrett builded up America.
Now, after seeing this episode, you make me to want one of this micrometer, and I don't have so many machinist friends here in Cyprus. Anyway I admire your patience. Good work mastre-Petro.
Nice tool. I recently treated myself to the Mitutoyo version of this and it's the mic I keep in my shop apron. Not only is it so much easier to read than a traditional micrometer, but it retains the mechanical coolness, like how a dial caliper is more enjoyable to use than a digital one, but lacks the fussiness of an old-school vernier caliper.
I was just given one of these Starrett #216 a few weeks ago. It sounds like you were having the same problem I was with the little click/sticking point. On mine is was any time the 2 came up on the last counter wheel. After taking it completely apart I was still baffled as to what was causing the sticking. I cleaned everything meticulously but still it persisted. Finally, by accident I discovered the problem had to do with the angle of the analog rollers in relation to the gear that drives them. Once I got that just right, the click was gone and it's smooth as silk now. But it was a very touchy adjustment on mine to get it just right.
Two and a half cups of coffee, are you kidding me. If I had that much coffee in my system I wouldn't be watching this video. That dog would be under the bed waiting for the coffee to wear off before getting under this desk. ;-) . Thanks for showing yet another great video. I had no idea what was going on inside one of those micrometers. I immediately identified with the Optivisor and those tiny screws. I am 80 and just getting those screws into place is a challenge. Every day brings another great subject. Thanks for sharing keep em coming.....Ken
ALWAYS enjoyable. when I was an industrial photographer we used a spray that would eliminate reflection of lights. The spray was fine enough to see very fine crack in Steel after polishing. Shaky hands are better than a dirt NAP.
Thank you for a very interesting video. I have some old micrometres here, so now I know how to calibrate them. Before I do I will certainly get one of those magnifiers that you wear on your head, as, my eyesight is not the best anymore.
Very well done, I don’t have a 216, but if I ever do, I’ll be set! First time I heard about Billy Joe in years. The night the lights went out in Georgia.
Great video mrpete as always two thumbs up SIR !!! I've been wanting a Starrett 216 for awhile as my eyes are only getting worse as I get older LOL Thanks again mrpete!!!
Mr. Pete, I have one just like yours. When I got it, it had a really rough spot once around. Was not that hard to remove the digital mechanism to see what was wrong. Just take out the the two screws all the way and pull it out. It helps to remove both covers (top and bottom). Taking it apart, found the gear on the spindle was cracked - plastic deteriorated and fractured. Had to take the whole mechanism apart including the thimble to remove the gear (same wooden handle trick). Glued the gear together with cyanoacrylate adhesive, the more viscous kind. Also the top cover with the lens was cracked around one crew. Same fix. Timed the gears, calibrated. Works great, runs smooth and checks out against two other micrometers (Lufkin and Starrett) and a digital one (ashamed to say HFT but it turns out really accurate). My go-to mic now. BTW: I do not understand how Starrett quality ended up being degraded by cheap plastic in the main spindle gear. Oil tends to destroy this type of material. The counter gears and drums are and will be OK. Except for the window. Never overtighten the window screws. And even then it is likely to fracture in time.
MrPete, I've really enjoyed watching your videos over the last month or so- lots of good information for the novice machinist. I can also tell that you live relatively close to me based on the towns and interstates you mention (my grandparent's lived in Rockford, I've traveled I80 and I39 quite a bit). I've tried searching the internet for some of the auctions you attend but can't seem to find any information. Can you tell me where they're hosted, who they're hosted by and maybe direct me to a website of events (if such a thing exists)?? Any information would be appreciated.
It's called an Asian Lady Beetle, and is indeed an invasive species in the US, and does stink. Nothing else to add, great video, now just have to get myself a micrometer with a mechanical readout. I have dozens, but only completely analogue.
I love those 216 Starretts Lyle. In fact, in your honor, I bought an entire set of them *used* last year--from 0-12" in size, as I recall. They came in a sweet old Starrett box, and had just been certified. They were pricey (for the set), but only a fraction of the price for a set new. They're awesome! I have that same Mitutoyo digital micrometer as you do...I never use mine either. Once I get some 216 Starrett mics, I pretty much stopped using the other stuff.
Last year I called Starrett about sending them an older 0-1" model 216 I have, with a "catch" in the mechanism. They told me it was a straight $150 (might have been $155) to service the mic. They told me they basically just take out the mechanism, throw it away, and install a new one. It takes too long to diagnose/fix whatever might be wrong with the thing, so they just charge a flat rate to do it. Obviously if there is other damage they need to fix, it'd likely cost more. And this was last year--so they might well charge more for it now?
I'm on my second and a half cup of coffee and I still can't face the day I'm thinking of the ladybug who just got in my way And if I don't stop this trembling hand from reaching for the probe I'll be stickin’ that little bugger in a bottle. Lord, let me get this mic finished before this day is done… Mr. Peterson "Lightfoot" It's Ok I get it. I have to put on my spare glasses and brace my hands to tighten the screws on my trifocals. Love Ya, Mr. Pete! Keep em' coming!!
Mr. Pete, Thanks for another interesting video. If you loose one of the little screws, don't throw the tool away. I have bought them from Starrett for a very reasonable price Just call them and ask for the parts department and they will take care of you.
When I lived out there near you those damn bugs were everywhere, and a real pain! It seems they find the space under aluminum siding a favorable hideout.
Hi, Great info. I have that EXACT same Mitutoyo you have in that disintegrating box. My Micrometer is suffering from something wrong inside however. Can you show how to take it apart properly without wrecking it? Actually mine is one of the those combos..the dial reads mm and the barrel is in Inches. Above the logo on the black plastic side it says COMBIMIKE in a strange rounded Font....Nice little unit i would like to get working again.
@@tubejoust So sorry to hear that. I hope no one was hurt. We flooded in 2017, lost a lot of tools, so I can relate somewhat. Though fire's much worse.
Thank you Mr. Pete, I have a Japanese mechanical digital one inch micrometer and their instructions step over the thimble adjustments. Is it the same with the small friction thimble for adjustment on the main thimble? Might I suggest a video on that type of micrometer for adjustments.
One thing I noticed when you re- installed the cover - if you moved the number gear up too far,you wouldn't be able to insert the cover screws as their holes would be partially covered up - correct?
The catch at 10:00 is the advance mechanism for the next wheel-- the "carry" teeth. The Slocomb speedmike has the same feel, as do some Mitutoyo. I have never been able to get rid of that feel once a tool develops it, and I would guess that it is due to a slight wear, distortion of the gear teeth, or adjustment of the carry gear shaft.
I have both a 216 1" and a 25 mm mic. The metric one had that "click" at certain points in the rotation. Loosening the adjustment screws and moving the counters slightly away from the barrel seemed to get rid of it.
Informative and entertaining video as usual, Mr. Pete, your anecdates are always interesting. May I suggest that, if you are going to show something briefly, you show it so we older subscribers (I'm only 68!) have time to take it in, sometimes I have to pause the video to get it all. Is it possible at all to have a monitor plugged into your camera? That way you could be able to manoeuver tiny screws, nuts etc by watching it on a bigger screen?
I've had a lot of trouble with that kind of foam. I think its of a oil type base that does just melt and I have had a lot of video cameras, tools, and test equipment that have been infected with that stuff. If you are lucky enough to get it cleaned of, the plastic pieces get soft and some times, and you just keep finding it leaking out of everywhere. This seems to be a very common thing to find in most any fragile equipment. Gun cases used this a lot also. Like your micrometer, you are lucky it just went to powder. If it had melted, it gets into anything that moves, and you would have to take it all apart to get that stuff out. If you have any thing with that foam in it, this would be a good time to get rig of it before it breaks down. After it melts, and it is not found right away, the next thing it does is turn into a very sticky tar, and then you might as well throw that equipment away, it just destroys the quality and hardness of some metals. (springs, hinges, and stuff like that) To get to the point, it needs to be removed before it starts to break down. I enjoyed the video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a Good Day!!!!!!!!! Michael
Well, at the beginning you actually "rambled" for 7 minutes not 5, but yes, I got a few good chuckles. Thank you for this video. I've got a micrometer where the last digit is out by 1/2 and it's a constant source of irritation for me. Now I'll be able to correct it!
I also have been getting extremely dissatisfied with battery-powered micrometers, calipers and test indicators. I just got several dial calipers (including a nice compact Fowler 4"), and will be pulling the (always) dead batteries from my collection of digitals before storing them away. I think I will also be on the lookout for something similar to the #216 for micrometer work. (Between cataracts and presbyopia, I am also getting to where optical assistance is required for reading anything so tiny.)
You will be disappointed to know, that I recently gifts from shars and bang good. So I will be using digital calipers. They both go off automatically so I rather like them. I also have a new electronic micrometer. It does not go off automatically. I do not think I will like it. I have been using optical assistance for a long time
Never disappointed. Just keep making interesting videos. One thing I have found about digital calipers that seem to run down batteries all the time. If you tighten the clamp, the batteries seem to last better. I suspect they move slightly and fire up whenever they are jostled if the clamp is loose.
Thank you so much. I recently found your channel and you have a gift for explaining things in a way that clicks even for the most stubborn. Video quality and sound are very good as well
My first micrometer in the late 70's was a Mitutoyo Combimike, Imperial on the thimble and metric on the digital, still in perfect shape... And, my foam inside the boxes isn't any better than yours... lol Now, I'm mostly use battery digital but still keep on my older ones just in case...
Mr Pete you are in rare form on this video, What Brand of coffee do you drink? Give Henry a little sip and send him back up to Grandma. Keep up creating the great videos. Thanks
I'll be 75 next month and I resemble that remark! I'd have enjoyed your classes but you'd have been in the same class! Love your vids .. Kill the beetle! .. I can send you a couple bushels of live ones if you need more victims. (Olney has its share too.) Let me know if there's a better way than individual stabbing to get rid of them.
Way too much stink to allow innards to leak out in the kill process. Too hard to strangle them .. 'sides I think Ms. Rosenkranz (my biology teacher) said something about them breathing through their skin..??? White squirrels are on the decline as the older trees (Walnut, Hickory, and Oak) are dying out and people these days want manicured lawns and not messy trees with "tree rats".
I was perusing Ebay this morning and found a 216 on auction, a few hours left before closing, no bids, $9.00 minimum. It's metric, length not stated, but it looks pretty much like yours (perhaps 0-25mm?), and that's a hole in my mic team. I didn't know anything about 216's, so I searched, et voila! Here I am. Since you like them so much I bid, and ended up getting for it $32 including shipping and tax. It has a locking ring, a full scale on the thimble, don't know if that's Imperial or Metric, and a vernier on the shaft. Of course it could be crap, but what else are you going to do when you can't hardly leave the house? BTW, we're the same age, but I'm learning and you're teaching. Thanks.
Good video. My digital mic is unbranded but has brass gears. Put a few drops of oil on those gears...don't use WD40...but something like 3-in-one or silicone oil. Don't use molybdenum oil as it can darken the digits up.
My High School never had a machine shop. We didn't even have a wood shop. We only had an auto shop. I wish we did. I have a small lath in my shop that I mess around with once in awhile. I don't even have any good calipers or indicators. Just a veneer and a 1" caliper that is iffy at best.
I would like to know if your wife switched brands of coffee and what kind it is. I could use a good boost and today you seemed exceptionally boosted :)
Class 1 Beverage Alert at 3:00!! Be careful! I was very fortunate NOT to have a mouthful of coffee when you popped off!! I got a Mitutoyo 6 inch digital caliper from my old boss as a graduation present. The battery is always dead when I need it. Trembling hands mean your caffeine count is just about perfect.
Like I mentioned before, my sausage fingers are just too fat for those small screws and I have the shakes. One thing though .. I don’t give up. I just keep trying until I fix it or I lose the screws. LOL ☕️
Thanks, like I really needed to reflect on Bobbi Gentry's cigarette and whiskey soaked voice while rendering _ "... and Billie Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge". _ Now I'm stuck with it looping in my head for the rest of the day- no more coffee before shooting a video, please.☺
Those are the crytal meth of measuring instruments... the more digits the more you pay and you just can't have enough of them. I got a couple 4 digit 00,01mm but I got a beautiful 5 digit 00,001mm (0.00005") one I keep in a lockbox hehe. Great video! Only had to calibrate the sleeve so far but it's good to see calibrating the digits is doable too.
killinmg the bug was a no go ! he crossed the red line here ! i did not expect that from him ! sorry mr. pete, but tat was a unnecesary one ! u could easily take the time and bring him out ! it was not a potato bug, it was a species of ladybug, more precise it was a ladybug just a different phenotype.very useful to get pest reduced in your garden
