micrometer recommendations?
 

I want to measure my stuff before sending it to the machinist and when I get it back. What sort of micrometer should I use? Will one of the ~$30 tools sold here do the trick, or should I look into borrowing a micrometer of higher quality?

If you are just wanting to do a quick check, the $30 ones are fine. If however, you want a micrometer than can consistently measure into the tenths of thousands, you are better off getting something like the mitutoyo, starret, or brown & sharpe. These higher quality ones can last a lifetime if taken care of. There are parts available for them and can be calibrated by metrology repair shop.

This site has some good information on purchasing high quality precision instruments:
027 : Long Island Indicator Service : Sales, Repairs and Spare Parts

PS: I've been purchasing stuff for my toolbox so that I can do my first flat six rebuild. I have bought a few indicators and mics off e-bay and will send them to get calibrated. I think I'm still a few dollars ahead than buying new, but if you don't want to mess with that, be aware that mics and dial indicators can be purchased at Amazon for a decent price and if you search, you can get even better deals elsewhere.

Thanks, Alfonso. I appreciate the great info.

here is a thread where we discuss measurement tools

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/911-engine-rebuilding-forum/328636-measurement-instruments-metrology.html

My advice: all the factory measurements are native metric. Get a metric mic. They are very inexpensive these days, the technology is a hundred years old. A digital readout saves a lot of time. Be sure to get standards with the mic, these are used together with a special wrench to set it.

Thanks for the thread and the recommendations. Looks like I'm going to need to do more research on technique!