Mitutoyo combination square

[Canadium]

I don't know if this is the right place for this thread since people mostly seem to post awesome big machine finds here. This is more of a beginners small tool find that will probably bore most of you more advanced folks. It's a Mitutoyo #180-905 4 piece combination square in apparent pristine condition. There was also a 12 inch Moore & Wright #421A ruler and a General #18 machinists protractor included in this Kijiji find all for $60. I was looking for a combination square for some time and I almost bought myself a new Starrett square for Christmas on sale from KBC.

This combination square set appears to be housed in original styrofoam packing inside a beautifully crafted custom plexiglass box. I'm guessing made by the former millwright owner. My only complaint is that the styrofoam is aging and chipping and too soft to wear well. So I'm experimenting with painting the styrofoam with acrylic paint to harden the surface and make it more durable. Would be interested in any thoughts from other members.

 

[Brent H]

That is a very nice set - and it has the marking scribe still in the square - nice find!

 

[DavidR8]

Nice find!
I have two sets of Mitutoyo combo squares including the protractor heads.
Might put one up for sale.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dabbler]

Nice score! High build drywall primer might help with the surface... The angles and shapes are pretty simple, perhaps a wood reconstruction?

 

[Crankit]

$60......That was a steal of a deal!!

 

[6.5 Fan]

Hmmm, i would give you $70 for it. Nice find

 

[PeterT]

I've always wanted to try making an instrument storage box for oddball things that belong together. Cutting the shape out from MDF or plywood is a no-brainer. The lid could be a slide on piece of 1/8 or 1/4" ply. But the internal coating is where I stall out. I think the old school method is gluing felt which requires some stretching & mitering (skill). Then there is this flocking stuff which looks like it could be fun the first time. Someone told me if you spray the felt with a light mist of clear it stabilizes the fibers. Then there is those rubberized coatings which form a kind of pebbly textures surface.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/sho...ct-materials/100782-suede-tex-flocking-fibers

 

[Dabbler]

You used to be able to buy flocking guns quite cheap, in the 10-15$ range. It is a bit slower, but you can get by with a piece of curved cardboard and a gentle breath. Flocking is not my fave, however. I prefer MDF with a few coats of Varathane.

[edit] lee valley's flocking gun is 10 bucks.

 

[Tom O]

You could try this.
https://www.madmodder.net/index.php?topic=4770.0

 

[PeterT]

Or you could just cut out a pattern that matches the outline bottom & use toolbox liner, its nice & soft.
Many precision instruments just come in fitted plain wood. Coat of varathane like Dabbler suggest would keep the dirty fingertip marks down.
I've also cut plain rubber foam on my scroll saw with a fine blade like to make cutout profiles.

 

[Chip Maker]

You can buy replacement foam for gun cases such as Pelican and cut the shape out.