iGaging IP54 Caliper - Depth Foot (Reversible 90 & 45 Degree)

This is a reversible depth gauge foot for the iGaging IP54 EZ-Cal Digital caliper (or any other caliper with the blade dimensions of ~16 mm x 3.5 mm). It is reversible by rotating it 180 degrees -- the caliper will insert from either end of the foot. This allows the foot to be used in three orientations -- standard (90 degree, wide foot), reversed (90 degree, thin foot) and angled (45 degree, side foot).The IP54 caliper uses a small stop screw on the back/end of the blade; this foot has an additional channel to accommodate this. A centered 1/8" (3.18 mm) tap hole is provided for tapping threads for a thumb screw/fixing bolt -- the thumb screw used in the photos is a #8-32 x 5/8" knurled thumb screw. #8-32 screws/bolts are readily available in the U.S., mine was $0.23 at Ace Hardware). Most tap & die sets include this size of tap. This foot has been designed to be durable and rigid, especially when tightening the fixing bolt/thumb screw. It is thicker than most caliper depth feet, but it still fits in the stock removable accessory compartment included in the case.

I 3-D printed the foot on its side to minimize warping on the critical faces. This does make some supports necessary in the blade channels and the tap hole. However, they are relatively easy to clean up with small hobby files and sandpaper. If you do frequent (or even occasional) 3-D printing, a set of hobby files comes in handy; they can be purchased for $10-$40. A flat piece of sandpaper on a flat surface also is useful for removing printing irregularities. This is particularly important on the critical feet surfaces (wide, thin & 45 degree). I like the softened texture that sanding provides, so I lightly sanded most surfaces with 400 grit sandpaper. That is why the photos don't show a shiny 3-D printed object. This design is the 5th revision, which varies slightly from the labelled diagram and the photos, which was version 4. Version 5 fits the caliper blade better and it is reversible top & bottom and front & back.

The idea to make this design was initially inspired by https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2821833

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Creality

Printer:

Rafts:

No

Supports:

Resolution:

.2mm

Infill:

Filament: Overture PETG Black Post-Printing =============

Once the supports are removed and you have tapped the fixing bolt/thumb screw hole, you will need to clean the channels that the caliper blade fits into or the fit will be overly tight. Fine, small square and flat hobby files work great for that. Also, if your 3-D printer is like mine, the sharp tips/ends of the feet will be slightly enlarged and rounded due to printing expansion. Place a flat piece of 400 grit sandpaper on a flat surface. Then carefully sand the three feet sides, applying even pressure. This will level the any irregularities. Make sure that you apply even and light pressure, so that the surfaces are sanded evenly. To install the foot, place it on a hard, flat surface. Insert the caliper blade. You can push down on the top of the caliper, while keeping the foot pressed firmly against the flat surface, to get ensure that it is flush with the foot. Then, carefully tighten the fixing bolt/thumb screw on the side of the foot (if you installed one).To use the 45 degree depth measurement, you will need to first place the caliper on a flat surface in the 45 degree position. Then extend the caliper depth rod until it hits the surface. Take note of the depth reading, then measure the actual depth of the 45 degree hole, etc. that you wish to measure. Subtract the first measurement from the second to get the approximate depth of the 45 degree hole, etc. I don't know how often anyone will actually use this feature, but it is nice to have when you do need it. :)

Category: Tools