I was ready to send $27 off to JJ Babbit for a glass gauge when I 
decided to look around the web.  Some of the glass gauges used for 
machinists and available in 1/2mm increments are $100 and more.  A 
50mm gauge in 1/2mm increments was listed on a few sites for 
adjusting projection equipment, but I couldn't find any that weren't 
part of a kit and also >$100.  Most of the direct reading glass 
gauges were for adjusting microscopes and were too small and detailed 
(and expensive).

Finally, I checked Ebay just for jollies.  Bingo.  A used direct 
reading glass gauge 300mm long in 1/2mm increments.  Longer than 
necessary, although the facing on a contrabass clarinet is >90mm.  
It's German etched glass in a heavy felt-lined teak case, probably 
approaching 100 years old.  $34.  A little more expensive, but really 
funky.

I hope to get to the auto parts store today for some feeler gauges 
and emery paper.  The Band Instrument Repair Manual discusses "8/0 
pouncing paper."  I don't know what that is.  Is it necessary or can 
I do the same with 800 grit emory paper?  1000 grit?

Mark

I could not find what you were talking about on eBay.  Do you have a 
link so we can see?

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "flemingml2000" 
<marklfleming@...> wrote:
>
> I was ready to send $27 off to JJ Babbit for a glass gauge when I 
> decided to look around the web.  Some of the glass gauges used for 
> machinists and available in 1/2mm increments are $100 and more.  A 
> 50mm gauge in 1/2mm increments was listed on a few sites for 
> adjusting projection equipment, but I couldn't find any that 
weren't 
> part of a kit and also >$100.  Most of the direct reading glass 
> gauges were for adjusting microscopes and were too small and 
detailed 
> (and expensive).
> 
> Finally, I checked Ebay just for jollies.  Bingo.  A used direct 
> reading glass gauge 300mm long in 1/2mm increments.  Longer than 
> necessary, although the facing on a contrabass clarinet is >90mm.  
> It's German etched glass in a heavy felt-lined teak case, probably 
> approaching 100 years old.  $34.  A little more expensive, but 
really 
> funky.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&rd=1&item0162755350&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih3

The description said it has .1mm divisions, but the picture shows 
only .5mm divisions, which is what I needed.  The auction had several 
pictures showing the gauge with a white background, which made it look 
like it is milkglass instead of clear glass.  I have no idea how this 
was etched so finely unless it was some kind of early photo/acid 
etching.  I've collected antique nautical instruments over the years 
because I like this kind of stuff.

Got my feeler gauges today.

Mark