I have the gauge you speak of ... My experience is that the tool is almost impossible use and to get any kind of consistent readings ... The tool must be kept completely stationary while attempting to measure barrels ... And the barrel being measured must be kept perfectly parallel to the rod of the tool during the measuring process ... If the barrel is wiggled the slightest amount the needle of the dial indicator goes crazy and the reading varies wildly ...
I got a demonstration of a new wall thickness gauge that's made by a company in Michigan at the January 2010 Las Vegas show ... I don't recall the company name but I'm sure a PGCA member will know the name and post it here shortly ... This new gauge is compact, portable, comes in a fitted wooden box, and above all. it's easy to use ... It gives consistent readings and has none of the problems I encountered with the other tool ... If my memory is correct, the price was over 500 bucks ... But this gauge works like a champ ... And, as we all know, you get what you pay for.
Jim Kucaba ... AriZOOna Cactus Patch ... Email:
JimKucaba@aol.com