Perforation Gauge - Advice Required

With a lot of the modern normal stamps and self adhesive stamps having similar perforation measurements it's becoming very difficult to measure these to an exact size.
I have a normal plastic gauge and a Linder gauge and wondered if it is worthwhile purchasing an electronic / digital gauge, if so any recommendations.
Also is there an easier way of telling the difference between water based & Self adhesive used stamps

In the fast mayority of cases, the self-adhesive stamps have die-cut perforations. These are very clean-cut. Even if they come as multiples, the die-cut perforation is very recognisable. Ordinary gummed stamps tend to have uneven and "torn" perforations. Coil stamps and booklet stamps may have been cut into coils or panes, but that leaves at least one, and almost always at least two sides where perforations have been torn from adjoining selvedge or stamps.

As for an electronic gauge: it depends on what you want to use it for. If you collect modern GB, there are few variations and when they occur, they are linked to a specific issue.

Continuing on the theme of GB, the Machins and older stamps have more variation, but almost always linked to a single issue. Where there is an issue with multiple gauges, you can use a stamp with a known perforation and fit it to the perforation of the stamp you want to examine.

Unless you are planning to argue that SG's 15x14 is closer to 14 3/4 x 14 1/4 or you want to know whether your 14 gauge is 14.127355449, don't bother.

If you are looking at stamps with many slight variations as appear to exist in some countries, it might help. Maybe someone has experience with the accuracy of electronic readings.

So, it might be helpful if you clarify what you want to use it for.

Forgot to mention, I collect Canadian MNH and used stamps. Some of the modern stamps have perforations that are very close and in some cases the same on water based and self adhesive stamps

I used mainly the Unitrade Instagauge for all my Canadian stamps. I also have the Kisuala gauge for the Small and Large Queens.

I have used a **perf program for perfing also, but everything comes down to how the stamp was scanned. It will give you a rough idea, but I cant recall if it goes to the decimal points, just 1/4, 1/2, /3/4 measurements

as for the self adhesive/die cuts they mainly have a backing paper.

There is an brief mention in the Unitrade Catalog on page 22. SELF ADHESIVE DIE CUTTING.

If you are looking for per gauge for the diecuts. there is a gauge available. There is a sample of it on Page 23 of the 2020 Unitrade catalog.

Maybe the Unitrade Editor can advise the forum where collectors might be able to purchase one. Thanks Unitrade Editor :)
I know there was a dealer in Calgary selling them.

if you are interested, private message me and I can check with him.


Trodent

Many thanks for replies..good stuff, .much appreciated.

Regards

Robert

The die cut gauge noted in the Unitrade catalogue is an initiative of the Elizabethan II Study Group (of BNAPS).

Details of the gauge are available here: https://adminware.ca/esg/perfgauge.htm