To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Starrett micrometer set question

bad12jr

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2012
Messages
111
Im getting back into karting and with the new engine classes I'm going to build my own engine. In the process of looking for micrometers a co worker has a set for sale.

He has a full 0 to 12" set and priced them to me for an extremely good price. My problem being I would never use above 3". I'm thinking about buying them and selling the set and just buy the couple I need.

My question is what would these be worth to sell or the demand on them? I looked up an equivalent set new for $3700 from starrett.

Should I take the gamble and buy them. Worst case is the large ones will live there life out in the box. But I figured if I can make a little to fund the project and still purchase the ones I need that would be nice.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

shamrock12

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 26, 2007
Messages
958
Location
South Dakota
Honestly, I would not know what the market is like for used quality precision tools, but I did happen to look at a set of Starrett micrometer ranging from 0" to 3" three pieces set with two standards (basically steel rods for calibrating the larger micrometers) being listed for around $550 new and it comes with wooden case.

I would image it will depend on the condition of the tool, how well it has been taken care of, and if there is any recent certification of calibration (depending on the type of tool), etc.

Try using advanced search tool on fleabay for completed auctions and see how much they are being sold for, and for what conditions they are in.
 

helterskelter

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
296
There's not going to be a big market for your used measuring equipment. A machinist typically won't own the larger mics, they're supplied by the company. So the only people buying the larger mics are companies (that can't afford to take a risk on your used equipment) and hobby guys who want a deal. Definitely not good resale value. And for 3700$ I expect brand new mics with calibrations that are also going to hold a calibration for another 10 years, yours are dicey at best.
 

AndyA

Well-known member
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
514
Location
Texas Near Dallas
The larger sizes aren't going to sell well for exactly the same reason you want to get rid of them. No hobby guy is going to use them. A professional guy will buy new so he can be sure of the accuracy.

I bought a 0 through 6" set in the wood box with standards for $300. They are in pristine condition. I'd guess they'd never been used.

How's the condition on yours?
 
OP
B

bad12jr

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2012
Messages
111
Thanks for the quick reply. They appear to be in excellent shape. I honestly don't expect to sell them anywhere near that if I got them. The price I can get them for would more then justify the ones I need.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
OP
B

bad12jr

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2012
Messages
111
Basically what you just described. I'll probably. Just buy them to use but I wasn't sure if there was a market in case I decided to sell them later.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 

Packard V8

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 16, 2009
Messages
7,380
Location
Spokane, WA
Anything branded Starrett always sells. However, all the newbies want digital and the analog/vernier micrometer sets now bring a small fraction of new price.

jack vines
 
OP
B

bad12jr

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2012
Messages
111
I bought them. $225 for the whole set which I found was the going rate for the 4 sizes I need so I cant really complain there. Now to hunt down some telescopic gauges and I'll be set.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 

theknurl

Banned
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
921
Location
SoCal
bad12jr;
you're going to building small small strokes right?

you'll need to check piston fit......make up a set of 12" feeler gauges 0.0005 to 0.004......screw micrometers, measure the actual fit anywhere in the bore

check rod side play with a regular set of feeler gauges

check rod bearing play by tilting the rod side to side, jamb it to one side with the tip of a feeler gauge

a dial depth gauge will give you piston height

plasticine clay will tell you squish clearance

PS;
run a tight squish.......and I like 220PSI + cranking pressure.....but then you MUST watch your jetting hour to hour......air density will bite you, get an air density gauge and live by it and your notes


:thumbup:
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
B

bad12jr

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2012
Messages
111
Akra stock clone class. Running mainly on a 1/7 mile progressive banked clay track. Bought an 03 phantom nemesis at the end of last year. Rode quite a few in the past and always liked the handing characteristics of them for my driving style. Figured I'd run it for the year and step up to a newer chassis next year if in felt the need.

I'm used to building with a mic and such. I'll defiantly look into the other methods listed and double check my self. Always love learning new ways to check and build things.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 

theknurl

Banned
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
921
Location
SoCal
bad12jr;
using mikes and telescoping gauges gives you a minimum of 2 possible measuring errors.......

a 12" feeler gauge tells you the exact piston clearance everywhere in the bore.....

you'll figure it out

I've been into racing:thumbup:

:beer:
 
OP
B

bad12jr

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2012
Messages
111
Thanks. I need to order a full set of feelers as mine have grown legs. I'll see about ordering some long ones.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 

justanengineer

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 5, 2011
Messages
7,722
Location
Motor City
Just as a point of reference, there was a practically brand new 0-12" Starrett set in the wood block, not sealed but with the heavy plastic "bag" they come in and most were covered in factory oil, sitting in a local pawn shop for over a year before someone bought them. Personally, I couldnt justify the price as I have others that are known good and accurate.

Depending on your needs, you should be able to find good mics up to 6" for <$10 per on the used market.
 

Deskmechanic

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 17, 2010
Messages
426
Location
Long Beach, CA
Also, 90 percent of the old starretts I see are .001, which is pretty useless for building engines. Maybe for measuring pistons, but for cranks/rods you want .0001 mics.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom