On Dec 14, 8:24*pm, "Ray Field" wrote:
Have the need for a low cost CMM or equivalent.
The requirement is to measure bagpipe chanter reed ...
Have considered a micrometer stage microscope, my eyes are getting weaker
but could probably manage with average of several readings. This method
would be OK for X & Y axes but what about Z? Could the focussing mechanism
provide accurate measurement?

Probably the Z axis is not gonna work with an optical system;
even if you could identify the focus, how do you make the reference
surface (the back side of the reed) known to that half-a-thousandth
tolerance?

Lever/anvil/dial gage meters are what some reed-makers use,
is that unacceptable for some reason? Look for 'dial thickness
gage'.

I've heard of measurement systems based on air pressure that would
allow you
to make a no-contact measurement; instead of anvils in contact, it's
orifice in near proximity (and when the air flow gets partly blocked,
the
pressure rise says you're exactly THIS close).