So I’m trying to tool up the Shop I work at and need some input.
Bores - ID Mics or Bore Gauges (Which are better)
Right now I only have Gauge Pins up to .250 plus and minus set. I know we need the other set also.
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@MikeJones86
I love ID mikes (the ones that measure using 3 points and only have a small range of measurement) but cant afford them right now I use a blended tool selection.
I have 2 sets of bore gauges .74 - 1.4 and like 1.4 to 4. They work but you have to be very careful wen setting them I just use a set of OD mikes. The hard part is that it is not a direct read like a mike setting them to nominal size then reading the + or - but not like reading 1.999 on a mike.
I have one set of ID mikes like 2"-12" the one with the replaceable stems. They work good you just have to check them with your mikes to make sure you have put them tougher clean. they are a direct read like 4.687.
I do have a set of gauge pens .062-.250 I use them mostly to measure slot widths.
What I use the most are telescoping gauges. I have 2 sets 5/16 - 2.25 & 5/16 - 6. They can be used to holed .001 but I would not recommend them on anything closer than that without checking your skills with a known gauge.
I hope this helps???
I for got I also have the small hole gauges also. Full ball but the 1/2 ball are great also.
As an old school machinist, my first ID measuring tools were not digital or that expensive.
I had the following:
Starrett small hole gages .125 -.500"
Starrett Telescoping gages - .500 - 6.00"
Starrett Inside Micrometers - 2" to 12"
I also had to have 0-12" micrometers 
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This was in the seventies!! When I moved up to an injection moldmaker position and I had more moo lah, , I started replacing my Starrett with Brown & Sharpe tools. I don’t know who the leader is nowadays, but in my apprentice period the Brown & Sharpe was hands down what the tool and die guys had in their tool chests. I might add along with their Gertsner tool chests. I still have my Kennedy Chest and Cabinet (Red), which I eventually painted a brown wrinkled finish Krylon aerosol paint. You know you didn’t want to stand out around a bunch of old grumpy tool and die makers.
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Thanks for giving me some ideas. Once they were said I had a AHH moment. I have been slightly distracted with pushing the Owner to pull the trigger on the new CNC. He wants it and knows we need it, but just dragging his feet. So I have been ramping up the shop for a 2nd machine, tools, holders, vise, and training up another employee to at least help to do setups.
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I would have to agree with all said here, you can find decent tools on ebay if you are carefull. Make sure they have standards and pics. Also you can bid online at many auctions. We got a lot of our inspection equipment that way. We got the id bore mics that way and I wouldn’t use anything else if they fit. One of the better investments we made.
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