Acme Thread Gage

thingiverse

A set of precision gauges for measuring acme threads, commonly found on machine tools including 3D printers. While commercial gauges exist, they can be quite pricey. Files included here for 3D printing as well as laser-cutting. **LASER-CUTTING** * This is my go-to tool for making things like this; it's super fast and incredibly accurate 1/16" (1.5mm) acrylic works great, but chipboard or even paper will work too in a pinch * For a fancy touch, fill in the engraved numbers with some paint **3D PRINTING** * STL files include single thread pitches so you can just print the one you want * Gauges are 1/16" (1.6mm) thick, which isn't very robust but will make printing quick and measuring easier * Note! If the gauges look really small in your 3D printer program, it's probably because the files are in inches but STLs are in millimeters. Your slicer should be able to scale them for you (each one is 2" long) **INKJET/LASER PRINTER** * You can also just print out the letter-sized PDF file, trim with an x-acto, and measure that way! * Be sure to check that it is printed at 100% size or you'll have a bad time! Please note! While these have been designed accurately to the published specs, your printer/laser-cutter will likely change the shape a bit, either bigger or smaller. The gauges should still work, but if you're measuring something and it must be super accurate, you'll probably want to go with a commercial set. (Of course, if you're making something that important then spending $40 on some measuring tools is probably a no-brainer) **TO CONNECT TOGETHER** Divide gauges into two groups, one with 6 and one with 5. Using a bolt/nut (listed below), fasten together so you can pull out individual gauges but tight enough so they don't come apart. This is totally optional! It just makes it a nice set that won't get lost around the shop. **WITH BOLTS** * Stainless steel hex bolt * 2 @ #6-32 x 1/2" * https://www.mcmaster.com/92949A148 * Stainless steel nut * 2 @ #6-32 * https://www.mcmaster.com/90730A007 * OR... * https://www.mcmaster.com/90101A007 **WITH BINDING POST** * Stainless steel binding post * 2 @ #6-32 x 1/2" * https://www.mcmaster.com/99637A520 * holes in the gauges will need to be modified to fit the barrel; either change in the file or modify with a drill * may require grinding down the barrel a bit so that it fits right