Yes Brown and Sharpe made single spindle automatics and I have set them up and designed cams for them, they were similar to other makes, BSA, Index and others.I agree with you about eyesight, I used to be able to read a steel rule to within 0.005, not anymore.
In 1985 I started working at Martin Marietta in Orlando, FL where we built products for the Department of Defense. I was stunned when I found out there was a small Sears store onsite that stocked most of the precision tools sold by Sears. We could also order most any Sears/Craftsman tool for delivery at the plant. I don't remember if we got a discount from that onsite store, but we could set up payroll deductions to pay for what we bought. What a place to take a break from work!
About 1979 my younger brother began work at a local machine shop that had 5 B&S screw machines. To give him a boost, the owner sent my brother to B&S school for a week in RI ... The shop owner paid my brother's lodging, meals, and travel, plus his wages for the week, too. My brother worked at that shop for about 3 months after that and then decided that he wanted to switch careers.... My whole family was a bit embarrassed.... I think today that I might have covetted my brother's opportunity for that training-- but I also think I would have been more appreciative, as well. Was Jan as much a tool fanatic as you? I know his focus was often on the "art side" of creating things.
I am a fan of Browne and Sharpe, they're one of a few brands you can trust for quality. Jones &Shipman here In England, I think bought the license to build their range of Creep Feed Grinding machines, and I have built a few, I really enjoyed the different technology involved. At that time, both companies were struggling to survive. One other thing, I have the same micrometer as the one you modified, it is No 436 the same, and has L.S. Starrett Made in England stamped on the thimble. I really love these instructional videos you make Mr Pete, many thanks.
Fabulously interesting! I knew nothing of slat line or bulls eye marking, but how lovely & useful they are. How many times I could have measured things better with these two simple but brilliant modification I have no idea, but it is very many. Thank you for sharing & educating me!
Great video. Really enjoyed the stories. I have my father's unmatched set of micrometers to 4 inch, Starrett, B&S, and Lufkin. I have always been disappointed they weren't all Starrett. After watching this video, I no longer feel disappointed; I am now happy for the variety of great names. Thanks again.
Celebrate the differences between the brands, a lot of thought and also manufacturing effort went into toolmaking, re the slanted lining must have been a headache. But brilliant for guys struggling to see!😊
I have to admit that if i ever saw a slant line micrometer I don't remember it but it is a great idea. I have used my 1970s Mitutoyo for the last 30 years of working as an aircraft mechanic but now i seem to be coveting your Brown & Sharpe.
I’m not going to say anything about brand loyalty here, because I have always bought high quality tools no matter the manufacturer. I too have strong personal experience with the tools I have purchased over my lifetime and been past down for parents and grandparents. There is something said about how the old tools were made and how they have stood up over the decades/centuries. My tools range from 1850s to 1990s and only a very few have worn to the point where I have them for display only. I still use them but not like the 30 years when I was working. 👍 for the love of the precision tools no matter the manufacturer!
You mentioning Lufkin reminded me that Dad had a few Lufkin tools... Last I remember seeing them was late 70s.. they were not in stuff after he passed... almost anything that could be pawned was stolen by an addict relative and traded for drugs.. I hope that someone is today still using and enjoying those micrometers... they were a nice set.
@@mrpete222 Thank you. I really enjoy your videos, especially the 'what is it' ones. Dad loved to stop at every antique and junque shop along our weekend outings, and we had our own version of that in almost every place. There was always some mystery tool or strange hardware item to be found.
Exceptional machinist tools are almost artistic. My love of them started with Goodell Pratt. I own Starrett, B&S, Lufkin and others... Old and blind but i can still spot a B&S and a Starrett box, which is the only thing that still makes the heart quicken.😂
Always keep an eye out for Lufkin measuring tools (or any quality manufacturer from the past). 3 months ago, I got a 0-1,1-2, and 2-3 set of Lufkin micrometers at an estate sale for $20. They came with the original card showing how to adjust them. The micrometers look like they have never been used. Back in the day, precision measuring tools were so expensive, only a fool wouldn't give them the best of care. Cheers from NC/USA
I LOVE old brown & sharpe tools. I definitely prefer them to starrett, but starrett tools are much more prevalent. I guess because they're still in business. EDIT: I have a couple slant lines, 1" and 2" in the leather cases. Ironically enough, they are my favorites. Also, I have a BEAUTIFUL 24" B&S vernier caliper in the original wooden box. The scale is impossible to read without a loop, or some other magnification, but it's a lovely tool. Like I said, I LOVE B&S tools.
Thank you for the comment. I had a big b and S vernier caliper at school. Impossible for the kids to read, and difficult for me. The tiny little 25 graduation scale was a nightmare.
Thanks you Mr Pete. I'm with you on so many points. My dad was a woodpecker, but when I was a little tike I would set in the floor with the big Sears and roebuck catalog and lust after the cutting torches, air compressor tools and any other metal or mechanical tool I could find. The first micrometer I ever got was from a yard sale, it was a Brown and Sharp slant line in all black finish with gold lines. I am ashamed to say, at that time, I had never heard of Brown and Sharp but now I have the same respect as you do.
I so much appreciate you Mr. Pete. The only tools we had in our shop in high school. Was old tombstone linclon welders 2 each. A bench grinder. And even though we had a very good intentioned man as a shop teacher. The program wasn't funded. There was a school about 20 miles away that had a full machine shop program.i was so jelous of that. So now im old and have my own back yard machine shop. And can do about anything i want to do. I have you as my individual machine shop instructor. I have a mic that is exactly as you described. I can see where it would not be ideal for someone just learning to read a mic. But i have used it so long i don't think much about it. If i question it i just back it up a bit to verify what i was thinking. If things slow down a bit i will remove a bit off the barrel as instructed. Thank you so much for you continuing to show up for class every day.
Your catalog is probably labeled in various places or on the pages themselves. Mine says STM 76, meaning Shop Tool Manual from 1976. By the way, Brown and Sharpe bought the Swiss instrument companies Tesa in 1968, and Etalon in 1981. Innovations like constant clockwise indicators, dial calipers, and digital mics came from Tesa. B and S also bought Interapid along the way. Now, all are owned by a Swedish company named Hexagon Metrology. The market is cornered.
Love this vid. When I worked in a hardware store during high school I would buy discounted S-K tools for my tool box. After the Army while apprenticing at Cato Machine Works I bought a set of Starrett mics 1-3 inches and 25 -75mm (with standards, ratchets and locks) for my second hand Gershner style tool box. We were expected to have up to 3" Anything bigger the shop would provide. My squares were Mititoyo. Despite getting rid of tools I don't use these I will keep. Some I use every day at work still. Mix and match as required. One of my favorite tools, still in its box and waxed paper is a 2" Lufkin vernier.
Precision tools are precision tools, including that 1960's vintage Craftsman square. Kudos to you Lyle, for keeping them all in such good condition, in spite of using them throughout school and your career. A true craftsman cares for his tool as they care for him throughout his life.
I appreciate and enjoy learning from your videos. I am an amateur luthier and a test and measurement mechanical engineer. I appreciate the historical industrial content of your videos. I’m very interested in the different designs and methods of work - differences in companies and differences in tools and even country of origin. Thanks for your thoughtful videos, I enjoy them.
Hi Mr. Pete! I am inspired to go through my grandfather's old precision instruments to see what all he had. He was employed by Oilwell Supply Co. in the 50's & 60's (which was a division of USS at that time). Though I am not in any way directly associated with your area of expertise, I enjoy learning from your videos as an observer. I do have an old Moline 335 tractor rebuild project that has required the skills of a local machinist to make some hard to find parts. I am amazed at his ability to make these things that to me are things of beauty. I do have a son who became a mechanical engineer. He may have an interest in these things of my grandfather's. Thanks again for these videos!
5:11 "I'm sorry for tha... no I'm not" and for that, we are thankful MrPete. Too many people in similar positions of yours are truly sorry to bring such things up or too embarrassed and it leaves us younger generations without context or insight, we know taking out loans is largely a bad idea absed upon interest rate numbers but we don't quite "know" it outside of that most times you know? It brings a new level of understanding and knowledge when somebody has experience to tell us the how/why/when/who/etc. Just wanted to throw that out there, your little life stories are appreciated because it helps us understand what makes you, *you* as a person, and if you didn't tell us about such moments and events in your experience, well who would?
Love it. Reminds me so much of my engineering apprenticeship with British Aerospace. First job in instrument fitting was to make a combination padlock out of a solid piece of mild steel with a saw and file and a few other hand tools. And if we got it out of spec., well then we started again at the beginning. Taught us all a valuable lesson or three.
Greetings Mr. & Mrs. Pete, I can assure you we've had very different paths in early life but our paths cross and I absolutely agree with you and your dad - credit should only be used for mortgage, nothing else. Btw. 1966 was my first year at school - grade 1, we did not have pre-school or such. Credit is the enslavement mechanism and most people in the west are not aware of that. (Am I the only one who enjoys your rants ??)
@@mrpete222:I love them all, Lyle. Your dad was a handsome man. Raised a fine son. Don't know his grandson, but his great grandson, little Henry, has great potential as a professional level machinist after working with you. 🗜️🔬📐
I 100% agree about credit. We have been debt free for more than 20 years and the last 2 properties that we bought we used a check book. I am still working and saving for a few more years because of the market drop and inflation. Student loans are for suckers. I tell people that it would be more helpful to your children to buy them a good starter house that cannot be sold or have a lean put on than to buy them a car and send them to college.
I really like the B&S bullseye scales. I had a 6, and 12 inch version. Interesting, the 12 " was made in England, and the 6" in the US. The England made one was higher quality, and easier to read. I have a other B&S tools, they are all high quality. I have used the slant line mics, and have to admit I did not like them, but I also did not use then enough to get used to them.
I ran single spindle Brown & Sharp Screw Machines in the 1970's. They were really old & I think they had been converted from overhead belt drive to individual electric motors. The company also had Acme Gridley's & Davenports. The Company adjacent had New Britain's. I read that New Britain was started by Mr. Gridley - after he retired. The B& S Machines were basically turret lathes with automatic feed, one piece forming tool (multiple diameters) & cut off tool. The turret feature might have a Die to thread parts etc. The whole screw machine shop experience inspired me to go back to school & learn Drafting & Engineering. After a day in a screw machine shop you would be covered in oil. The oil gets into pours of skin & takes days or weeks to come out. Some guys their Arms & Skin would break out in rash. They had a high turn over rate in employment & would hire some ex-cons etc. It was a rough dirty environment. They made me buy a Scarrett Micrometer from the company & took the money from my paycheck. I still have the Micrometer. I was referred to as a B & S Man at least once.
I too liked the slant line, was fortunate enough to buy my first micrometer (a satin chrome, slant line with friction thimble Brown and Sharpe). Continuing with all my micrometers, Lufkin radius gages having crisp corners (B&S and Starrett tumbled theirs). The few Starrett tools I purchased were if B & S didn't manufacturer it (never had difficulty retreaving them after a joint project). My worst disappointment was not winning the lottery for the magnetic chuck wood crate was packaged, the Brown & Sharpe logo was burnt into the front plank. To be fair all the employees could enter the disposition drawing, my use would have been to have it built into a Gerstner lower base drawer. A secretary won making it into a dog box!
At the tool and die shop where I worked had many micrometers. I believe yours is a vernier micrometer due to the additional horizontal lines on the barrel.
Always appreciate the videos, information, and your time Mr. Pete! I’m a hobbyist, collector/curator, and fortunately, my kids understand the value of the “stuff” we all love to collect and hoard with great enthusiasm. That said, I’d probably make an emotional decision to buy, and pay too much for the exact tools I already have multiple examples of… Fun aside, I’m a CTE teacher wishing to inspire the same curiosity and enthusiasm in my students that you inspire in yours…namely me!😂
Lyle - Good video. I think the slant line versus straight is pretty much a personal thing. I had always used straight lines but about 12 years ago got a nice set of B&S slant lines cheap at an auction. You do know about auctions, don't you? LOL I found them easier for me to read and they are my preferred mics today. I'm just a retired engineer amateur machinist but do like good tools. And like you, I still have the ones I bought in the 60s in high school and college - they've maintained everything, rebuilt engines and built houses. Take care of them and they'll serve you well. Now if our eyesight would just go back to where it was 60 years ago.......
Love my B&S tools. I'd love to know the background behind Lufkin too. You've turned me on to Lufkin also and started me down a buying spree on those as well. Have a great weekend!
Used to be a toolroom machinist/mold maker back in the late 80's, early 90's, and have a few Kennedy boxes around the house, and of course lots of Starrett tools. But the first 0-1 inch micrometer was a Brown and Sharpe. I will not give up any of my machinist tools, as I still use them when I get the chance.
Bullseye markings. What a great idea! One of my Mother's earliest memories was of her aunt sitting on the front steps weeping because she lost her life savings when the bank went bust. That sort of thing leaves an indelible mark that is nevrr forgotten and the lesson is passed down.
Yes, bank failure was a horrible thing. Did you know that the Marx brothers lost a lot of money in the stock market, and in the banks during the depression
I love a number of precision tool brands. When I started buying precision measuring instruments, I tried to buy new Starrett as much as possible, but it wasn't long before other brands encountered at the right price came along. Now, at 62 brands of precision tools I own are numerous and as follows: Lufkin, Brown and Sharpe, Ames, Mitutoyo, Craftsman, Gem, Moore and Wright, Central, Schultes, Oldak, Scherr Tumico, General, Union, Pratt and Whitney, Klingelnberg, Taft, Stanley (precision levels), Miller's Falls, JT Slocum. That's most of what comes to mind. My favorites and what I try to stick with are Starrett, B & S, Lufkin, Mitutoyo. I have found that brands made in England, Germany. Japan and Switzerland are often overlooked and a number of the precision tools made in those countries are as good quality wise as the known domestic brands and certainly more than meet the needs of a home machinist.
Being half Swiss, my favorite micrometer is my father's Etalon. Tesa is also a great brand- I have a two of their dial calipers, but I prefer to use my first one, an Enco I bought in 1985. Not the best, but I don't have to worry about damaging it, and it keeps on going and going.
Not a trader in my opinion. I like the slant line increments. At times you have to flip back and forth looking at the scale, with those lines it leads you right to it. Thanks Lyle.
My dad had a slant line mic. I don't know what ever happened to it. It was in a soft Hyde pouch in his box just above the file drawer with all his files oiled and individually wrapped in felt. Most of them are older than me and still shape as razors.
I remember browsing an internet article about "the oldest companies in the world" which was mostly Asian companies, but then I see good ole B&S on the list! Since they've been around nearly as long as the USA, in some form anyway, a pretty cool fact.
Luckily, I have inherited a lot of my technical tools from my grandfather. Most of them are Brown & Sharpe and Lufkin. There are some Starrett pieces, too. Most of them are from the 30's and 40's. I cherish them all.
I have a 0-1 Slant Line Mic. It was my dad's, who was a tool and die maker. It's in it's original Brown and Sharpe fitted wood case in all but new condition. I can only assume he didn't use it much. But I do know that he spoke highly of Brown and Sharpe. It took me a while to get used to the slanted lines myself but I generally reach for my straight line Mitutoyo. Mostly because I'd hate to damage the B&S.
Like you I'm, a Starrett guy but my first set of outside mics were Lufkin. They served me well back when they were easy to read. Thanks for the videos.
Machine shop was my favorite class in high School. Both junior and senior years two hours a day.. nothing better than that machine shop smell. I'm new to your channel so I have a lot of videos to review. My teacher previously worked at Boeing. He was a great teacher!
When I went to high school, my favorite class was machine shop, and it was three hours per day in the afternoon. And I love the smell. By the way, my dad was the teacher. When I was a little boy, I loved the way he smelled when he came home from work.
I used and admired Brown and Sharpe Mics and Veneers as a machinist at Allison from 1979 to 1995 when I became a Tool Hardener which then meant heat treating tolls used by Tool and Die makers and Aircraft Engine Parts as well as plating those same items
Your advice applies especially to auto loans. Borrowing money subject to interest to purchase a depreciating asset is complete financial lunacy. I could never get used to those slant line micrometers. An acquired taste I think. I think that Scherr-Tumico made tools for the "Craftsman" brand.
Boy do you get up early. Did you ever test the accuracy of reading tenths after you trimmed the end down on your micrometer? I find the dots easier to read although I would like the dots slightly smaller.
I still love and trust mine they were my grandads and served him in his machine shop. People lament when they get something new how bad the old was, well its more that when you make something using the old tool then modify it with the new tool of course its not going to line up each scale or rule is different especially between two different companies. so just stick to one for everything and it all works out.
B&S had an excellent appearance program. I was fortunate enough to work with some of the macinest after the company folded. I think the pattern makers we had came from that program as well. Those patterns were like pieces of furniture. If you asked to borrow a micrometer, you had better hold it correctly, or you were excused from borrowing anything ever again!
Thank you for an interesting comment. If you have watched any of my foundry videos over the years, you may have read a short dialogue on pattern makers. They were called the exalted craftsman.
About $100. I do understand it would cost more. But i believe that is about what I invested in my assortment like that. My stuff is all Starrett and Brown and Sharpe .
I find the slant line mics hard to read, perhaps they are confusing. I guess I am just used to the Starret 436 and it's straight lines. At nearly 60 I see no reason to change my mind on this..Heh Heh However I do like the Brown and Sharpe large size mics. I like the shape of the frame and the holes in them. I have a couple of them. Cheers Mr Pete..
Thanks for this episode; I really enjoyed it. Cutting the barrel off of the Starrett mic was brilliant. Why aren't they all like that? I may have to try it out on a cheap mic before taking my Starretts apart and chucking them up in a lathe.
We had a machnists in our large maintenance shop that worked for Brown & Sharpe for over 20 years. He must of had at least 40 of their tools in his huge tool chest. Think he accumulated them for free while working there.
I use my credit card several times a week. Even pay my real estate taxes with it. I get a 3% cash back on almost everything and never carry a balance so I have not paid any interest in the 5 years that I been retired..
We are a lot alike, I also love the Starrett & Brown & Sharp hand tools. I still have many that are in the original boxes. I will never part with them.
When my grandfather was setting me up for my first job in the industry (toolroom of a family business) a B&S SlantLine was one of the tools, along with. a combination square and a neat litle kit of a Starrett back-plunge indicator. I still have them and treasure them. (I didn't get to use them much on my first tasks - things like sorting scrap and assembling shelves.)
Mr. Pete, I am only a few years behind you. One of my treasures is a deep throat Brown & Sharp 0-1” micrometer belonging to my mother’s uncle, who was an engineer at Bell Marconi Labs working on early radar. It’s before slant line, but that ancient mike is still accurate, and it is in a pebble grain leather case with purple velvet, and the original adjusting wrench. What great products B&S made!!
LUFKIN LUFKIN LUFKIN. I collect Michigan made machinist tools. i bought a real old craftsman square, also a v center, but no bevel protractor. I put my Starret Dial protractor head on it, and they seem to be identical. 4 thumbs up! lets see some LUFKIN.
From our Brown and Sharpe surface grinder to MY Personal SLANT Line 1" Mic we have lots of Brownies but most of out mics are Starrett. After going through a bunch of dial and electronic calipers I did buy a used German Helios vernier caliper as my "carry around" close measurement tool that lives in my leather shop apron. It always works and even if I heliarc (that's TIG to you youngsters) the HF doesn't blow the IC, and it doesn't get the rack jammed up with grit if I have to use the big angle grinder on a rough burn-out. Only 2 problems with the vernier. It's not a Brown and Sharp made in Athol, (not Switzerland) or Starrett, and I also had to buy a magnifying glass!
Once you’ve been bitten by the tool bug the itching to buy,collect, and covet never ceases. I bought my first tools from the craftsman tool catalog when I was in Jr high. One of my grandfathers was a machinist, the other owned a repair shop, and my Dad was in plumbing and HVAC. I was destined to get hooked. By the way liking other tool brands only makes you a traitor in the salesman’s eye.
Good video. Nothing better than good quality now vintage tools. I remember using a Brown and Sharpe surface grinder in a shop back in the early 80's. It was old then. I think at that time they said Mitutoyo was making Brown and Sharpe mics which disturbed the old timers who had been soldiers in WW2. They are owned by a Swedish company which manuctures in Switzerland. Not the stuff of the small machine shop. I have some Brown and Sharpe as well as Lufkin micrometers. Lufkin covers my main set to 6 inches. I have to say I like those bulls eye marks as your eye goes right to them.
Now I know the small square I have is a Brown and Sharp, they never put their name on the product but the color and design if the square you showered matches to what I have, quite a dense heavy square. I still think the Starrett is a much nicer looking unit and second being Mitutoyo. Starrett's Knob is quite ornate, so I put one on a Mitutoyo that has the simple flat one. I believe your tool has to look as good as it works. We humans love beautiful looking, quality made products. The old stuff offers this. And yes, Lufkin, love the name, the way its written as a brand name on the products, just reeks quality and gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling all over 🙂 Also some equally great tools that came from England were Eclipse, Chesterman, Sherfield etc, From Australia - Patterson and Nicolson (P&N) was a great manufacturer of tap and dies etc. Great tools to keep and display. thanks for Sharing Mr. Pete. This is great.
I never saw the slant line micrometers but I think I would like them as I would the bulls eye markings. I've only used a few B & S instruments and liked them. Most of what I've had or used at work were Starrett or Mitutoyo.
Yes Brown and Sharpe made single spindle automatics and I have set them up and designed cams for them, they were similar to other makes, BSA, Index and others.I agree with you about eyesight, I used to be able to read a steel rule to within 0.005, not anymore.
Well you Learn something New everyday - Thanks, Lyle - Stay Safe...Thanks for the History Lesson...
Lufkin, Brown and Sharpe, and Starrett are all equally welcome in my shop!
MJ
In 1985 I started working at Martin Marietta in Orlando, FL where we built products for the Department of Defense. I was stunned when I found out there was a small Sears store onsite that stocked most of the precision tools sold by Sears. We could also order most any Sears/Craftsman tool for delivery at the plant. I don't remember if we got a discount from that onsite store, but we could set up payroll deductions to pay for what we bought. What a place to take a break from work!
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Great video thanks for sharing
About 1979 my younger brother began work at a local machine shop that had 5 B&S screw machines. To give him a boost, the owner sent my brother to B&S school for a week in RI ... The shop owner paid my brother's lodging, meals, and travel, plus his wages for the week, too. My brother worked at that shop for about 3 months after that and then decided that he wanted to switch careers.... My whole family was a bit embarrassed.... I think today that I might have covetted my brother's opportunity for that training-- but I also think I would have been more appreciative, as well.
Was Jan as much a tool fanatic as you? I know his focus was often on the "art side" of creating things.
Thank you for commenting. My brother did not. I have a passion for the tools. They were just a means to get the job done.
I am a fan of Browne and Sharpe, they're one of a few brands you can trust for quality. Jones &Shipman here In England, I think bought the license to build their range of Creep Feed Grinding machines, and I have built a few, I really enjoyed the different technology involved. At that time, both companies were struggling to survive. One other thing, I have the same micrometer as the one you modified, it is No 436 the same, and has L.S. Starrett Made in England stamped on the thimble. I really love these instructional videos you make Mr Pete, many thanks.
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Fabulously interesting! I knew nothing of slat line or bulls eye marking, but how lovely & useful they are. How many times I could have measured things better with these two simple but brilliant modification I have no idea, but it is very many. Thank you for sharing & educating me!
Great video. Really enjoyed the stories. I have my father's unmatched set of micrometers to 4 inch, Starrett, B&S, and Lufkin. I have always been disappointed they weren't all Starrett. After watching this video, I no longer feel disappointed; I am now happy for the variety of great names. Thanks again.
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Celebrate the differences between the brands, a lot of thought and also manufacturing effort went into toolmaking, re the slanted lining must have been a headache. But brilliant for guys struggling to see!😊
Good Morning - coffee and homemade pancakes with Mr. Pete today.
I have to admit that if i ever saw a slant line micrometer I don't remember it but it is a great idea. I have used my 1970s Mitutoyo for the last 30 years of working as an aircraft mechanic but now i seem to be coveting your Brown & Sharpe.
I’m not going to say anything about brand loyalty here, because I have always bought high quality tools no matter the manufacturer. I too have strong personal experience with the tools I have purchased over my lifetime and been past down for parents and grandparents. There is something said about how the old tools were made and how they have stood up over the decades/centuries. My tools range from
1850s to 1990s and only a very few have worn to the point where I have them for display only. I still use them but not like the 30 years when I was working. 👍 for the love of the precision tools no matter the manufacturer!
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I always enjoy your videos Mr. Pete.
I have a Darling, Brown & Sharpe drill gauge.
You mentioning Lufkin reminded me that Dad had a few Lufkin tools... Last I remember seeing them was late 70s.. they were not in stuff after he passed... almost anything that could be pawned was stolen by an addict relative and traded for drugs.. I hope that someone is today still using and enjoying those micrometers... they were a nice set.
That story saddens me para drugs are rampant
@@mrpete222 Thank you. I really enjoy your videos, especially the 'what is it' ones. Dad loved to stop at every antique and junque shop along our weekend outings, and we had our own version of that in almost every place. There was always some mystery tool
or strange hardware item to be found.
I love history
Exceptional machinist tools are almost artistic. My love of them started with Goodell Pratt. I own Starrett, B&S, Lufkin and others... Old and blind but i can still spot a B&S and a Starrett box, which is the only thing that still makes the heart quicken.😂
Totally agree
Always keep an eye out for Lufkin measuring tools (or any quality manufacturer from the past). 3 months ago, I got a 0-1,1-2, and 2-3 set of Lufkin micrometers at an estate sale for $20. They came with the original card showing how to adjust them. The micrometers look like they have never been used.
Back in the day, precision measuring tools were so expensive, only a fool wouldn't give them the best of care.
Cheers from NC/USA
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I LOVE old brown & sharpe tools. I definitely prefer them to starrett, but starrett tools are much more prevalent. I guess because they're still in business. EDIT: I have a couple slant lines, 1" and 2" in the leather cases. Ironically enough, they are my favorites. Also, I have a BEAUTIFUL 24" B&S vernier caliper in the original wooden box. The scale is impossible to read without a loop, or some other magnification, but it's a lovely tool. Like I said, I LOVE B&S tools.
Thank you for the comment. I had a big b and S vernier caliper at school. Impossible for the kids to read, and difficult for me. The tiny little 25 graduation scale was a nightmare.
Thanks you Mr Pete. I'm with you on so many points. My dad was a woodpecker, but when I was a little tike I would set in the floor with the big Sears and roebuck catalog and lust after the cutting torches, air compressor tools and any other metal or mechanical tool I could find.
The first micrometer I ever got was from a yard sale, it was a Brown and Sharp slant line in all black finish with gold lines. I am ashamed to say, at that time, I had never heard of Brown and Sharp but now I have the same respect as you do.
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That is such good advice, I never borrowed any money except for a home either. Have enjoyed a good and happy life too.
Exactly! I believe most people do not realize they are borrowing money when they use a credit card
I too am a fan of Brown & Sharpe products. My favorite and most used Dial Caliper is a Brown and Sharpe.
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Yes,you really take care of your tools.Thank you.
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I so much appreciate you Mr. Pete. The only tools we had in our shop in high school. Was old tombstone linclon welders 2 each. A bench grinder. And even though we had a very good intentioned man as a shop teacher. The program wasn't funded. There was a school about 20 miles away that had a full machine shop program.i was so jelous of that. So now im old and have my own back yard machine shop. And can do about anything i want to do. I have you as my individual machine shop instructor. I have a mic that is exactly as you described. I can see where it would not be ideal for someone just learning to read a mic. But i have used it so long i don't think much about it. If i question it i just back it up a bit to verify what i was thinking. If things slow down a bit i will remove a bit off the barrel as instructed. Thank you so much for you continuing to show up for class every day.
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Thanks you for bringing back found memories , I remember the slant line mics and thought they were a great innovation then too
Thanks for the video keep on keeping on.
Your catalog is probably labeled in various places or on the pages themselves. Mine says STM 76, meaning Shop Tool Manual from 1976. By the way, Brown and Sharpe bought the Swiss instrument companies Tesa in 1968, and Etalon in 1981. Innovations like constant clockwise indicators, dial calipers, and digital mics came from Tesa. B and S also bought Interapid along the way. Now, all are owned by a Swedish company named Hexagon Metrology. The market is cornered.
Thank you for that update
Love this vid. When I worked in a hardware store during high school I would buy discounted S-K tools for my tool box. After the Army while apprenticing at Cato Machine Works I bought a set of Starrett mics 1-3 inches and 25 -75mm (with standards, ratchets and locks) for my second hand Gershner style tool box. We were expected to have up to 3" Anything bigger the shop would provide. My squares were Mititoyo. Despite getting rid of tools I don't use these I will keep. Some I use every day at work still. Mix and match as required. One of my favorite tools, still in its box and waxed paper is a 2" Lufkin vernier.
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Thanks for another great video. I have several Brown & Sharpe in my collection of measuring instruments. Thanks for the video Mr. Pete.
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Great video Mr Pete. I’ll be keeping an eye out for some slant lines.
Excellent
I have 1, 2, and 3 inch Lufkin micrometers, still in their boxes with directions and spanner. Thanks, Mr Pete
Very interesting.
Precision tools are precision tools, including that 1960's vintage Craftsman square. Kudos to you Lyle, for keeping them all in such good condition, in spite of using them throughout school and your career. A true craftsman cares for his tool as they care for him throughout his life.
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I appreciate and enjoy learning from your videos. I am an amateur luthier and a test and measurement mechanical engineer. I appreciate the historical industrial content of your videos.
I’m very interested in the different designs and methods of work - differences in companies and differences in tools and even country of origin. Thanks for your thoughtful videos, I enjoy them.
Cool, thanks!
Hi Mr. Pete!
I am inspired to go through my grandfather's old precision instruments to see what all he had. He was employed by Oilwell Supply Co. in the 50's & 60's (which was a division of USS at that time). Though I am not in any way directly associated with your area of expertise, I enjoy learning from your videos as an observer. I do have an old Moline 335 tractor rebuild project that has required the skills of a local machinist to make some hard to find parts. I am amazed at his ability to make these things that to me are things of beauty. I do have a son who became a mechanical engineer. He may have an interest in these things of my grandfather's. Thanks again for these videos!
Thank you for the comment. I own 1/2 interest in a moline 445
My first Dial caliper is a Brown and Sharpe. I love it and it is still my go to for measuring.
5:11 "I'm sorry for tha... no I'm not" and for that, we are thankful MrPete. Too many people in similar positions of yours are truly sorry to bring such things up or too embarrassed and it leaves us younger generations without context or insight, we know taking out loans is largely a bad idea absed upon interest rate numbers but we don't quite "know" it outside of that most times you know? It brings a new level of understanding and knowledge when somebody has experience to tell us the how/why/when/who/etc.
Just wanted to throw that out there, your little life stories are appreciated because it helps us understand what makes you, *you* as a person, and if you didn't tell us about such moments and events in your experience, well who would?
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Love it. Reminds me so much of my engineering apprenticeship with British Aerospace. First job in instrument fitting was to make a combination padlock out of a solid piece of mild steel with a saw and file and a few other hand tools. And if we got it out of spec., well then we started again at the beginning. Taught us all a valuable lesson or three.
That must’ve been quite a challenge to make a padlock with handtools.
Greetings Mr. & Mrs. Pete, I can assure you we've had very different paths in early life but our paths cross and I absolutely agree with you and your dad - credit should only be used for mortgage, nothing else. Btw. 1966 was my first year at school - grade 1, we did not have pre-school or such. Credit is the enslavement mechanism and most people in the west are not aware of that. (Am I the only one who enjoys your rants ??)
Thank you for the comment. I think there is one other person that agrees with my rants. lol
@@mrpete222come on now Mr Pete.... You know we all love them.
@@mrpete222 You're right, may not agree but like a differing view, with your confidence AND enthusiasm to boot!
@@mrpete222:I love them all, Lyle.
Your dad was a handsome man. Raised a fine son. Don't know his grandson, but his great grandson, little Henry, has great potential as a professional level machinist after working with you.
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I 100% agree about credit. We have been debt free for more than 20 years and the last 2 properties that we bought we used a check book. I am still working and saving for a few more years because of the market drop and inflation. Student loans are for suckers. I tell people that it would be more helpful to your children to buy them a good starter house that cannot be sold or have a lean put on than to buy them a car and send them to college.
Thank you Mr. Pete I love your videos I like the Bullseye I'll give you about 4:00 bucks for that set. And love your rants. Happy Birthday
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Those were great ideas B&S had, both the slant line and bullseye. I too struggled with the hidden lines on micrometers.
I really like the B&S bullseye scales. I had a 6, and 12 inch version. Interesting, the 12 " was made in England, and the 6" in the US. The England made one was higher quality, and easier to read. I have a other B&S tools, they are all high quality. I have used the slant line mics, and have to admit I did not like them, but I also did not use then enough to get used to them.
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Exceptional Video Lyle..
Thanks Much...
Mike M.
Glad you enjoyed it
My first one inch micrometer was a Lufkin, but I love all precision tools..they just make ya feel good holding 'em!!!!
It sounds like you are just as crazy as me. But it is actually pleasurable to hold a fine tool.
I ran single spindle Brown & Sharp Screw Machines in the 1970's.
They were really old & I think they had been converted from overhead belt drive to individual electric motors.
The company also had Acme Gridley's & Davenports. The Company adjacent had New Britain's.
I read that New Britain was started by Mr. Gridley - after he retired.
The B& S Machines were basically turret lathes with automatic feed, one piece forming tool (multiple diameters) & cut off tool. The turret feature might have a Die to thread parts etc.
The whole screw machine shop experience inspired me to go back to school & learn Drafting & Engineering.
After a day in a screw machine shop you would be covered in oil.
The oil gets into pours of skin & takes days or weeks to come out.
Some guys their Arms & Skin would break out in rash.
They had a high turn over rate in employment & would hire some ex-cons etc.
It was a rough dirty environment.
They made me buy a Scarrett Micrometer from the company & took the money from my paycheck.
I still have the Micrometer.
I was referred to as a B & S Man at least once.
Thanks, that was an interesting story
I too liked the slant line, was fortunate enough to buy my first micrometer (a satin chrome, slant line with friction thimble Brown and Sharpe). Continuing with all my micrometers, Lufkin radius gages having crisp corners (B&S and Starrett tumbled theirs). The few Starrett tools I purchased were if B & S didn't manufacturer it (never had difficulty retreaving them after a joint project).
My worst disappointment was not winning the lottery for the magnetic chuck wood crate was packaged, the Brown & Sharpe logo was burnt into the front plank. To be fair all the employees could enter the disposition drawing, my use would have been to have it built into a Gerstner lower base drawer. A secretary won making it into a dog box!
👍👍 sorry you did not win that brown and sharp box
At the tool and die shop where I worked had many micrometers. I believe yours is a vernier micrometer due to the additional horizontal lines on the barrel.
Always appreciate the videos, information, and your time Mr. Pete! I’m a hobbyist, collector/curator, and fortunately, my kids understand the value of the “stuff” we all love to collect and hoard with great enthusiasm. That said, I’d probably make an emotional decision to buy, and pay too much for the exact tools I already have multiple examples of…
Fun aside, I’m a CTE teacher wishing to inspire the same curiosity and enthusiasm in my students that you inspire in yours…namely me!😂
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Lyle - Good video. I think the slant line versus straight is pretty much a personal thing. I had always used straight lines but about 12 years ago got a nice set of B&S slant lines cheap at an auction. You do know about auctions, don't you? LOL I found them easier for me to read and they are my preferred mics today. I'm just a retired engineer amateur machinist but do like good tools. And like you, I still have the ones I bought in the 60s in high school and college - they've maintained everything, rebuilt engines and built houses. Take care of them and they'll serve you well. Now if our eyesight would just go back to where it was 60 years ago.......
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Glad you found a woman who could appreciate a good tool catalog lover. There are not that many of them. Cars are so much shinier.
So true, I guess I’m lucky. And my wife doesn’t care to hoots about automobiles.
Great video, now I’m off for breakfast right across the street from Starett co. In Athol.😊
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Love my B&S tools. I'd love to know the background behind Lufkin too. You've turned me on to Lufkin also and started me down a buying spree on those as well. Have a great weekend!
I’m glad you are enjoying Lufkin. You’re really do not see them that often.
@@mrpete222 Ebay owes you a commission. I bet half us guys go immediately from watching your videos to scouring Ebay. I know I do 😉
Used to be a toolroom machinist/mold maker back in the late 80's, early 90's, and have a few Kennedy boxes around the house, and of course lots of Starrett tools. But the first 0-1 inch micrometer was a Brown and Sharpe. I will not give up any of my machinist tools, as I still use them when I get the chance.
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Bullseye markings. What a great idea!
One of my Mother's earliest memories was of her aunt sitting on the front steps weeping because she lost her life savings when the bank went bust. That sort of thing leaves an indelible mark that is nevrr forgotten and the lesson is passed down.
Yes, bank failure was a horrible thing. Did you know that the Marx brothers lost a lot of money in the stock market, and in the banks during the depression
I love a number of precision tool brands. When I started buying precision measuring instruments, I tried to buy new Starrett as much as possible, but it wasn't long before other brands encountered at the right price came along. Now, at 62 brands of precision tools I own are numerous and as follows: Lufkin, Brown and Sharpe, Ames, Mitutoyo, Craftsman, Gem, Moore and Wright, Central, Schultes, Oldak, Scherr Tumico, General, Union, Pratt and Whitney, Klingelnberg, Taft, Stanley (precision
levels), Miller's Falls, JT Slocum. That's most of what comes to mind. My favorites and what I try to stick with are Starrett, B & S, Lufkin, Mitutoyo. I have found that brands made in England, Germany. Japan and Switzerland are often overlooked and a number of the precision tools made in those countries are as good quality wise as the known domestic brands and certainly more than meet the needs of a home machinist.
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Being half Swiss, my favorite micrometer is my father's Etalon. Tesa is also a great brand- I have a two of their dial calipers, but I prefer to use my first one, an Enco I bought in 1985. Not the best, but I don't have to worry about damaging it, and it keeps on going and going.
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I like the slanted lines, and the bullseye dots are a definite improvement! Great subject for a video Mr. pete! 😁👍
Thanks 👍
Not a trader in my opinion. I like the slant line increments. At times you have to flip back and forth looking at the scale, with those lines it leads you right to it. Thanks Lyle.
Totally agree
Thank you Mr.Pete.
Great video.
My dad had a slant line mic. I don't know what ever happened to it. It was in a soft Hyde pouch in his box just above the file drawer with all his files oiled and individually wrapped in felt. Most of them are older than me and still shape as razors.
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I remember browsing an internet article about "the oldest companies in the world" which was mostly Asian companies, but then I see good ole B&S on the list! Since they've been around nearly as long as the USA, in some form anyway, a pretty cool fact.
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Thank you, Mr Pete!
Luckily, I have inherited a lot of my technical tools from my grandfather. Most of them are Brown & Sharpe and Lufkin. There are some Starrett pieces, too. Most of them are from the 30's and 40's. I cherish them all.
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That slant line is precious. Never heard of one until now. That box of tools, minimum five hundred bucks
Good one Lyle ! Enjoyed 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it
I have a 0-1 Slant Line Mic. It was my dad's, who was a tool and die maker. It's in it's original Brown and Sharpe fitted wood case in all but new condition. I can only assume he didn't use it much. But I do know that he spoke highly of Brown and Sharpe. It took me a while to get used to the slanted lines myself but I generally reach for my straight line Mitutoyo. Mostly because I'd hate to damage the B&S.
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Like you I'm, a Starrett guy but my first set of outside mics were Lufkin. They served me well back when they were easy to read. Thanks for the videos.
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Machine shop was my favorite class in high School. Both junior and senior years two hours a day.. nothing better than that machine shop smell. I'm new to your channel so I have a lot of videos to review. My teacher previously worked at Boeing. He was a great teacher!
When I went to high school, my favorite class was machine shop, and it was three hours per day in the afternoon. And I love the smell. By the way, my dad was the teacher. When I was a little boy, I loved the way he smelled when he came home from work.
I used and admired Brown and Sharpe Mics and Veneers as a machinist at Allison from 1979 to 1995 when I became a Tool Hardener which then meant heat treating tolls used by Tool and Die makers and Aircraft Engine Parts as well as plating those same items
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I thought Mr Sharpe actually looked like he could be your grandfather!
Abuse of tools drive me nuts. And that slant line makes so much sense. Most of my tools from the early 70s are still looking good and are functional.
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Your advice applies especially to auto loans. Borrowing money subject to interest to purchase a depreciating asset is complete financial lunacy.
I could never get used to those slant line micrometers. An acquired taste I think.
I think that Scherr-Tumico made tools for the "Craftsman" brand.
Yes, and some of those sears tools were of very high-quality.
Yes, people get underwater on their car loans, and they get repossessed
Boy do you get up early. Did you ever test the accuracy of reading tenths after you trimmed the end down on your micrometer? I find the dots easier to read although I would like the dots slightly smaller.
I still love and trust mine they were my grandads and served him in his machine shop. People lament when they get something new how bad the old was, well its more that when you make something using the old tool then modify it with the new tool of course its not going to line up each scale or rule is different especially between two different companies. so just stick to one for everything and it all works out.
True
Always been curious why B&S knurled the tip of the free end of the adjustment screw on their combination square heads. Just decoration?
I wondered that myself
Hi Mr Pete, those hats are on Etsy and EBay, claiming to be vintage. Love your channel, wish I’d had you as a shop teacher!
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Glad I'm not the only one that prefers 1/8" and 1/16" scales!
lol
B&S had an excellent appearance program. I was fortunate enough to work with some of the macinest after the company folded. I think the pattern makers we had came from that program as well. Those patterns were like pieces of furniture. If you asked to borrow a micrometer, you had better hold it correctly, or you were excused from borrowing anything ever again!
Thank you for an interesting comment. If you have watched any of my foundry videos over the years, you may have read a short dialogue on pattern makers. They were called the exalted craftsman.
About $100. I do understand it would cost more. But i believe that is about what I invested in my assortment like that. My stuff is all Starrett and Brown and Sharpe .
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I find the slant line mics hard to read, perhaps they are confusing. I guess I am just used to the Starret 436 and it's straight lines. At nearly 60 I see no reason to change my mind on this..Heh Heh However I do like the Brown and Sharpe large size mics. I like the shape of the frame and the holes in them. I have a couple of them. Cheers Mr Pete..
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Thanks for this episode; I really enjoyed it. Cutting the barrel off of the Starrett mic was brilliant. Why aren't they all like that? I may have to try it out on a cheap mic before taking my Starretts apart and chucking them up in a lathe.
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We had a machnists in our large maintenance shop that worked for Brown & Sharpe for over 20 years. He must of had at least 40 of their tools in his huge tool chest. Think he accumulated them for free while working there.
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I use my credit card several times a week. Even pay my real estate taxes with it. I get a 3% cash back on almost everything and never carry a balance so I have not paid any interest in the 5 years that I been retired..
We are a lot alike, I also love the Starrett & Brown & Sharp hand tools. I still have many that are in the original boxes. I will never part with them.
When my grandfather was setting me up for my first job in the industry (toolroom of a family business) a B&S SlantLine was one of the tools, along with. a combination square and a neat litle kit of a Starrett back-plunge indicator. I still have them and treasure them. (I didn't get to use them much on my first tasks - things like sorting scrap and assembling shelves.)
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Mr. Pete, I am only a few years behind you. One of my treasures is a deep throat Brown & Sharp 0-1” micrometer belonging to my mother’s uncle, who was an engineer at Bell Marconi Labs working on early radar. It’s before slant line, but that ancient mike is still accurate, and it is in a pebble grain leather case with purple velvet, and the original adjusting wrench. What great products B&S made!!
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Interesting, well put together.
Oh my goodness mrpete that first micrometer storys really neat!
LUFKIN LUFKIN LUFKIN. I collect Michigan made machinist tools. i bought a real old craftsman square, also a v center, but no bevel protractor. I put my Starret Dial protractor head on it, and they seem to be identical. 4 thumbs up! lets see some LUFKIN.
👍👍👍👍 I love the lufkin, but very seldom see them in my travels.
In 1972 I started a job that required me to own a micrometer. I purchased one exactly as the one shown with the case Brown & Sharpe for $17.45.
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From our Brown and Sharpe surface grinder to MY Personal SLANT Line 1" Mic we have lots of Brownies but most of out mics are Starrett. After going through a bunch of dial and electronic calipers I did buy a used German Helios vernier caliper as my "carry around" close measurement tool that lives in my leather shop apron. It always works and even if I heliarc (that's TIG to you youngsters) the HF doesn't blow the IC, and it doesn't get the rack jammed up with grit if I have to use the big angle grinder on a rough burn-out.
Only 2 problems with the vernier. It's not a Brown and Sharp made in Athol, (not Switzerland) or Starrett, and I also had to buy a magnifying glass!
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Thanks again
Once you’ve been bitten by the tool bug the itching to buy,collect, and covet never ceases. I bought my first tools from the craftsman tool catalog when I was in Jr high. One of my grandfathers was a machinist, the other owned a repair shop, and my Dad was in plumbing and HVAC. I was destined to get hooked. By the way liking other tool brands only makes you a traitor in the salesman’s eye.
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Great descriptions!
Excellent video, this is the kind of information you genuinely cannot find with a Google search
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Used a Browne and Sharpe caliper last week. Complimented the owner on his excellent taste in precision tools.
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You always deserve a thumbs up.
Thanks for the video
Thank you too!
Good video. Nothing better than good quality now vintage tools. I remember using a Brown and Sharpe surface grinder in a shop back in the early 80's. It was old then. I think at that time they said Mitutoyo was making Brown and Sharpe mics which disturbed the old timers who had been soldiers in WW2. They are owned by a Swedish company which manuctures in Switzerland. Not the stuff of the small machine shop. I have some Brown and Sharpe as well as Lufkin micrometers. Lufkin covers my main set to 6 inches. I have to say I like those bulls eye marks as your eye goes right to them.
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Happy birthday Mr Pete Please continue your videos .
Thank you, I will
Now I know the small square I have is a Brown and Sharp, they never put their name on the product but the color and design if the square you showered matches to what I have, quite a dense heavy square. I still think the Starrett is a much nicer looking unit and second being Mitutoyo. Starrett's Knob is quite ornate, so I put one on a Mitutoyo that has the simple flat one. I believe your tool has to look as good as it works. We humans love beautiful looking, quality made products. The old stuff offers this. And yes, Lufkin, love the name, the way its written as a brand name on the products, just reeks quality and gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling all over 🙂 Also some equally great tools that came from England were Eclipse, Chesterman, Sherfield etc, From Australia - Patterson and Nicolson (P&N) was a great manufacturer of tap and dies etc. Great tools to keep and display. thanks for Sharing Mr. Pete. This is great.
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I never saw the slant line micrometers but I think I would like them as I would the bulls eye markings. I've only used a few B & S instruments and liked them. Most of what I've had or used at work were Starrett or Mitutoyo.
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