How do you read a boley gauge?

A boley gauge is a specialized measuring tool used to determine the thickness of materials, particularly in the production of leather goods such as book covers and wallets. Here are the steps involved in reading a boley gauge:

Step 1: Understand the Measurements

A boley gauge displays measurements in millimeters (mm). Each millimeter is divided into smaller units called points (pts), which are indicated by small marks on the gauge. One millimeter consists of 10 points.

Step 2: Adjust the Gauge

1. Hold the boley gauge in one hand with your thumb on the lower jaw.

2. Use your other hand to slide the upper jaw of the gauge up or down by pressing the release lever.

3. Adjust the jaws until they meet the desired thickness you need to measure.

Step 3: Reading the Gauge

Once the jaws are adjusted, you can read the measurement on the gauge in two places:

1. Inside Reading: There will be a line on the upper jaw that aligns with a corresponding scale on the gauge. The number closest to the aligning line represents the thickness in millimeters (mm).

2. Outside Reading: There will also be a scale engraved or printed on the lower jaw. The number closest to the lower jaw tip indicates the thickness in millimeters (mm) combined with the reading from the inside measurement.

Step 4: Points

The reading on the boley gauge may sometimes include decimal places, such as 1.5 mm. The decimal part represents the points. For example, 1.5 mm can also be expressed as 15 points (pts). Each millimeter can be further divided into tenths, each worth 1 point.

For example, if the reading on the upper jaw is 5 mm, and the point reading on the lower jaw is aligned with the number "3," the total measurement is 5.3 mm or 53 points.

Remember, the precision of a boley gauge measurement depends on the quality of the tool and proper calibration. It's essential to use a well-maintained, accurate boley gauge for accurate thickness measurements in leatherworking projects.