======Gauge Blocks and Gauge Pins====== These are Yellow Level Tools and are unlocked by Metal Shop Orientation ====Gauge Blocks==== * The blocks are the length reference for the shop. * The length of each block is laser-etched into the side. * The blocks are accurate to the specified length, within a few //millionths// of an inch. * The faces of the blocks are lapped extremely flat, and very susceptible to damage. * Visible scratches, even if they can't be felt with a finger, can be cause for replacement. * Blocks can be slid together in such a way that they stick to one another. * Make sure the blocks are clean, dry, and free of oils. Use lint-free wipes to clean them. * This is called "wringing", and no one knows exactly how it works. * Blocks can be wrung together into stacks: * To be used on the [[surface_plate|Surface Plate]] as a height reference. * To be used on the Surface Plate, in conjunction with a Sine Bar, to create extremely precise angular references. * To be used with micrometers, as a relative thickness/width measurement. ====Gauge Pins==== * These pins are "minus" pins, meaning they're one or two ten-thousandths of an inch smaller than the number etched on each pin. * Gauge pins are generally used to quickly and precisely measure small hole diameters, typically when reaming or boring. * Typically, you would use 3 pins: The nominal size, plus one smaller and one larger pin. * If the smaller pin fits, but the nominal doesn't, your hole is undersize. * If the nominal pin fits, and the larger pin doesn't, your hole is on-size. * If the larger pin fits, you're oversize. Oops. * Do not use force when trying to fit pins. They can, and will, get stuck.