Some here may already know that I am a "tool junkie" and REALLY appreciate the highest quality America has / had to offer.

If you go on Ebay and punch in STARRETT (INSTRUMENTS OR TOOLS) there will be page upon page of Micrometers, Calipers, Gauges of all types, levels, and tools. There are many for sale that are either as new in box or slightly used but still in perfect condition. There are also some brand new pieces! I would have to guess that most who bought these fine instruments with their hard earned money really took excellent care of them.

Instead of buying cheap Chinese imported tools and instruments at Harbor Freight or similar, here is a chance to own quality made American tools and instruments at a fraction of their original cost. It's actually sad to me to see all these proudly made American tools on the auction block, but I guess since almost nothing is made here anymore, there is little need for them in today's work force.

So I figured I'd put the word out for those of you who are getting into Gun-smithing, Reloading, machining, or just have a need for these types of tools. Just in case someone is still out there who doesn't know, Starrett is about the finest money can buy in precision instruments. Here's your chance to grab some at bargain prices.

Even though no one else posted here I look at this thread as positive because to date 225 people have viewed it. I hope there have been a few that at least looked and bought some good stuff. Please post of you have bought anything.

Machinists' tools, and tooling, are probably some of the best buys on eBay nowadays. With a couple few hundred bucks, some smart shopping and patience, one can amass a full toolbox, and a good Kennedy box at that, that would have cost multiple thousands of dollars to put together only 20 years ago.

And it is sad indeed to witness an entire once-thriving crucial industry collapse so quickly right before our eyes.

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SWHF #448

The fussy precision machinist in his apron is slowly, and sadly,
becoming relegated to history by the global economy and modern
manufacturing methods. There is a place for him yet in this new world
but it is shrinking. Add to this the fact that high quality precision tools
will outlive their original buyers if properly cared for and so it becomes
a buyer's market for good used equipment.

I agree - I think that the last place left for a Precision Machinist will be as an Inventor or a Custom Maker - that's about it.

My nephew is a young machinist apprentice, and I asked him if he had a good set of 0-6" micrometers. He said that he had a set but that they were not good ones. I shipped him my Starrett 0-6" mic's and 123 blocks and hole gauges and a brand new micrometer. Needless to say, he was thrilled. Happy that somebody I know is using them and they didn't sell for pennies in an estate sale....

I have a set of those Starrett (0" to 6") sitting in my Toolbox - but almost never use them. Instead I favor my Starrett Dial Calipers. Since they were my Grandfather's, then my Dad's I don't think I could sell them though. Quite honestly, they are selling for so little theses days on ebay they would not bring much anyway. I guess most Machinists whether Professionals or hobbyists now use Calipers as well.

Starrett is a proud name to have in the tool box. I used a few of their pieces when doing woodworking.

I would caution everyone just a bit on an Ebay purchase as their are some selling 'Starrett imitation' tools, the wording is tricky but they are deceptive sellers so be careful!

It's a nice feeling to see Made in America on a quality tool

Browne and Sharpe would be another quality tool.........

Karl

Calipers are handy when you want to take a quick
measurement of something and I'm sure all Machinists have
them but they don't even begin to replace micrometers. No
working Machinist would try to do precision work and depend
on calipers alone. Not if he wanted to keep his job that is,
the're just not accurate enough.

Sold forty years worth of tool maker tools on EBay. All were well taken care of measuring and machining tools. All for about 30% to 40% of value. Glad that someone else got a chance to enjoy them. No use looking at them just sitting in tool box after retirement. Got a chance to handle each one before I sent them to new owner.

I've got multiple chests of memories from my Dad and Gramps. My sister left these out in her garage in Charleston SC for about 6 or 7 years before I finally found them and made a rescue. Here's a sample. Can't part with them as it's about all I have from my Dad!

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

As I was taking a series of machine shop courses at the Community College where I teach part time, I went on flea bay religiously and made up two sets of 0-6" Starrett micrometers, one in nearly perfect condition cosmetically as well as mechanically and a second, more shopworn but still accurate set to keep in my locker at school. Yes, I used a dial micrometer too, for rough measurements. One of my instructors opined that "yes, it is a little more accurate than a yardstick!" I wish I had been able to continue with that class, but alas, I found my greatest talent was turning perfectly good metal stock into shavings, scrap and swarf.

Froggie

I'm a retired machinist and all 4 of my mic's are STARRETT .. the cadillac of precision instruments .. a couple are over 40 years old .. the only ones you will ever need ..

Just bought a set of 3 inside and 1 outside gauges on ebay for $6.49 plus $6.00 shipping. Should come in handy.

bwade

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Blaine
SWCA 3490 SWHF 586

Thats hardley the case. The main problem shops have in this neck of the woods is actually FINDING real machinists.There's 30 jobs within 30 miles in any direction. I typically make between 2 and 20 pcs serving all types of industries from medical to concrete pump truck parts.
I thing that does hurt is the 3d printing technology for rapid mock up protos.

I agree with OP. I worked in a machine shop for almost two decades. I accumulated a fair share of inside & outside micrometers; 123 blocks, dial calipers, dial indicators, etc., all in my Kennedy machinist box. I was taught to run a Cincinnati milling machine, Bridgeport mill with a way cool Wilton vise and index head, and a 26 foot bed Future Mill horizontal mill. And more. Best times of my life. In the 1980's & 1990's, I saw the decline in tool and die and machinist skills flow to Portugal and Taiwan and Asia. Now, I see a need and future for young men & women to have attention to detail, math, dexterity and patience to learn how to machine a piece of steel. Zero a piece? Few know what that means. If I can give back, just ask: I will explain.