Perforation Gauging Manual Vs Electronic?

When "perfing" a pile of stamps with just two or three different gauge variations, I have found that it is faster to just use a known example of each different variety, and then compare each stamp in the pile to the known types. This makes the task a little easier on the eyes.

I usually also use a multiple such as a block with a known perforation or known perforations as a master template to compare other stamp perforations against. I use a gauge to measure and verify that the master template multiple is of a specific measurement that is needed to be checked.

I've been looking into software for perfs as well, but I'm a Mac User. I know EZstamp has the capacity; I almost bought it was was discouraged that there were no reviews, no free trial period, demo, etc.

I use a Unitrade perforation gauge. Its very handy and inexpensive too.

vfstamp,

I have the EXStamp EZPerf. I rarely use it. I resort to using my Precision Specialty Multigauge or the gauge on the back of a stockbook.

Jack Kelley

Stamp perforation gauge computer programs that measure stamp perforation gauge measurements using a scanner are only as good as one's scanner is at taking exact accurate scans.

I tried using a perforation gauge on a computer many years ago and found it lacking. The computer has a great deal of trouble with perforations that are not cut precisely round or are irregular due to separation. This includes many of the stamps from the period I collect. I prefer a hand held merit gauge to one on a computer as I find it easier to get the perforation holes lined up more precisely with the gauge. I know they are making improvements on the computer gauges but I prefer the old method of a merit gauge especially when a computer is not at hand like at a stamp bourse. I do frequently use my scanner and computer to look for re-entries and plate flaws as you can really see the detail of an entire stamp or portion there of.

watermark..You made no mention of a USB microscope...Do you not use one..?

Robert

I rarely use a microscope. A good magnifying glass 10X to 15X and scanner serve the purpose of a microscope quite well. I can enlarge a scanned image on a computer if I need more detail. There is no distortion or light reflection problems with a scanner.

For the rich, there's the Safe Perfortronic

http://www.safepub.com/sections/sta...perfotronic2

However, I use old printed cardboard gauges, I think from the 1920s or 1930s, which I actually find easier than the Instanta.

GeoffHa,

My cardboard gauges aren't that old, but do date back to the 1970's. They are on the back cover of my HE HARRIS cardboard stockbooks!

Jack Kelley