How 'bout Rolls Royce?
I looked at the auction in question. Only the 6" mic reads 10ths, so I don't see much value in this set.
Looking in my Enco '07 master catalog (haven't rec'd the '08 yet), the 0-6 set retails for $1031.00, but this set reads to .0001
I don't see a set for the .001 mics, but adding up the individual prices I come up w $866.00.
I've started to shy away from Starrett.... their 6" calipers ****, and their last word test indicator seems ancient at best.
I don’t intend this to be a flaming war, or do I want to belittle anyone. But I don’t think you understand the operation of micrometer completely,, or maybe you didn’t put your knowledge to words correctly.
Reading a micrometer is like reading a scale (ruler). It is simply a more accurate scale than the linear type you may be used to. It is based on a 40 pitch thread. That means turning the thimble 40 turns will make the spindle advance 1 inch toward the anvil. And one turn it advances .025 inch. Hence there are 25 lines on the thimble from 1 to 25,, each one being .001 inch. Four complete turn will equal .100 inch. And so on…
A micrometer that reads in .0001 inch (Tenths as its’ called in the trade) is actually more accurate than one that only reads to the .001 inch (thousandths). Each thousandths of an inch is divided into ten tenths. Or ten tenths to a thousandths of an inch. This is read by the vernier lines from 1 to 10 on the side of the thimble. On micrometer without these lines, you can approximate them,, if it is halfway between two lines, then the reading would be five tenths higher than the lower number… .
You have to learn the “feel” of a micrometer in order to read it correctly. And it take years to learn this. In fact some never do! As it’s not a matter muscling down on the thimble to get a reading. Rather a light turning, and being able to sense the way the micrometer’s measuring surfaces slide across the work piece. The “standards” that come with the micrometer sets are used to get that feel and to calibrate the micrometer. Note: The 0 to 1 inch micrometer can be set by merely lightly turning the thimble until it closes on a piece of paper, then removing it see where it stops. Again with a light “feel”.
Another factor in reading a micrometer is the surface finish of the part being measured. A polished surface will read differently the a milled finish or a sand blasted surface. Also more care is needed when measuring round diameters. Also room temperature plays a big part in measuring things and can make inconsistent reading. Again nullifying the use of tenths… Lets get a handle about .001 inch. A human hair is normally .002 to .003 inch. Or a piece of cellophane paper from pack of cigarettes is .001. So why worry about tenths? For so many measurements around the shop .001 inch graduations will be good enough.
In my fifty years of being around tool and diemaking, I never came across any measuring instruments made by Roll Royse. Though Rolls Royce made cars, piston and jet engines. And in my book, The L S Starrett Company is one of the best manufacturers of precision tools, gages, and measuring instruments around the world.
They had decided it was not worth certifying them.Some of these sets were unused sets of vintage Lufkin mikes,from 0-12". As you might imagine, they all got fished out of the tub and taken home-too bad we had to leave the beautiful boxes for them.