welding inspection tools? Digital Welding Gage?

[boffintech]

The G.A.L. Gage Company sells a Digital Welding Gage for $98.

http://www.galgage.com/measuring_gauges.html

But I seen others on the internet for as low as $14.

http://www.grizzly.com/outlet/Digital-Welding-Gauge/H8060

Not sure what the difference is in these two. The $14 one may be missing the serial port but not sure as the product description doesn’t indicate.

For job site inspections would one of these be handy or are these just a novelty? I think the CWIs at my office just eye-ball most of this stuff.

Thanks.

 

[Ron]

G.A.L. makes precise gauges. They are pretty good. I have a fillet gauge that I've had for 30 years. I don't know about the digital ones, but keep in mind that they will not be nearly as durable as the plain old manual ones.

As for "eyeballing" welds...I'd fire someone for doing that.

 

[Mr168]

I've not been overly impressed with my G.A.L. stuff as of late. Yes, they're accurate, but the fit and finish, not so much. They just feel cheaper than they did in days past, and I've had a few sets come through here where the laser missed or cut a few sections incorrectly (like the center slot on the fillet weld gauges).

As for that digital gauge, other than maybe measuring cap height, I could see very little actual use for it. I would sooner spring for a trio of fillet weld, VWAC, and high/low gauges for field practicality.

 

[gtaw]

If you are interested in the digital fillet weld gage, check e-bay for a couple of weeks. You should be able to pick one up for $20 or so. I snagged mine for around $12.

It has very limited applications.

Best regards - Al