How Do You Accurately Measure Such Small Dimensions

I am trying to absorb and understand the intracancies of precancels. One thing I am having a little trouble comprehending is how does one measure the difference between 1.5 mm and 1.8 mm spacing on a piece of ink absorbing paper. Is there a special measuring device available for purchase. I have tried using a clear perf guage but it just is not accurate enough at least for my eyes.

You definitely need a millimeter gauge of some sort. 3mm difference should be discernable with some practice especially with metal devices that will not warp (200,700 series). With rubber and vinyl (400,500,600,800's) sometimes they can smoosh up and it is a guess. I need reading glasses to see most close ones.

I use a "precision U.S. specialty multi-gauge" from Sonic Imagry Labs. It's available from many suppliers like Amos (Scott's) and on ebay for $15-20.

Another option is a jeweler's loupe which are available with a number of different scales. These start at about $20-30 and go up quickly.


To reduce eye strain when doing a lot of fine work like this I also use a low cost USB "digital microscope" which connects to your PC and uses your monitor. These are available on ebay for about $15+.

I use this in combination with the multi-gauge frequently. I have more a more expensive digital microscope but this cheap one does the job just fine. A bonus is that you can take snapshots and video with the one I have. It can also be used as a webcam but I never tried it.

See the photos below...

Hope this helps,
Jeff

I try once one of those cheap digital microscope, I throw it in a drawer , I don't remember where......

Thanks all. I have a multi guage but have trouble determining .2 or .3 mm with it. I like the idea of projecting onto a monitor and will look into that.

This is a screen shot of my 27" monitor using a cheap digital microscope and a photo of the one I use.

oops for got the screen shot...

Hi what ever you use, ensure its is etched and not printed. Etched is by far more accurate!