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General Philatelic/Supplies, Literature & Software : Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

 

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Stampme

28 Sep 2014
04:42:51pm
I have the common metal Unitrade perf gauge. Shown for you to admire and heap praise upon me. However, what does the more accurate perf guage look like, the one(s) that measures minute fractions? More importantly, what do such contraptions cost?
Thanks,
BruceImage Not Found

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

28 Sep 2014
07:57:42pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Nine bucks

http://stores.nolastampshop.com/scott-linns-perforation-gauge/

Lars

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Philatarium
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APS #187980

28 Sep 2014
09:11:39pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I rely on the US Specialty Perforation Gauge, even though I use it on non-US stamps. About $16.

http://www.slingshotvenus.com/stamps/USSpecialtyPerf5.html

Here's perhaps a better explanation of it:

http://www.smpiller.com/Perfgauge.htm

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29 Sep 2014
12:08:38am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Found one in a boxlot I ordered last winter amongst post cards. Pretty cool to have Happy I'd never seen them before.

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larsdog
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APS #220693 ATA#57179

29 Sep 2014
01:46:44am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I've been using mine for years! A perf gauge works fine for US until you get to perfs like 11.2 versus 10.9. When you get to self-adhesive diecuts, a standard perf gauge is of limited use. The clear overlay scale really shines when you are measuring die cuts on stamps on cover or still on backing paper. I have yet to encounter anything (US only) that the Scott/Linn's gauge wouldn't work on, and I like the millimeter rule on one side. I just wish they would have added half mm marks for the first 30 mm. My old "IDEAL GAUGE" has marks for 1/2 mm through 40 mm. I rarely use it any more, except for the 1/2 mm gradations.

Lars

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malcolm197

22 Nov 2014
11:22:34am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Anyone not in the USA should look at the Stanley Gibbons "Instanta". This has continuous lines that you can slide stamp up until the perf matches - and can easily be measured to about .05. Any more accurate than that and the lines are thicker than the divisions.

Malcoolm

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snowy12
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22 Nov 2014
07:18:39pm

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re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Hi All
This is the Stanley Gibbons "Instanta perforation gauge referred too by Malcolm 197
I have had this one for years.
Image Not Found
Brian

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TuskenRaider
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22 Nov 2014
07:35:39pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Hi Everyone;

Don't buy that Stanley Gibbons Instanta, if you sort Washington/Franklins, because it will not work. Some of those stamps go as low as perf. 8½. I know because I've been sorting them for the last two days.

I use a White Ace that is identical to the unitrade one, made of Aluminum and it is just fine to use for the Washington/Franklins.

Just thought you should know
TuskenRaider

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Rhinelander
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23 Nov 2014
08:15:22am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I swear by the Lindner Phila-Combi-Box Perforation Gauge. This is a three-dimensional perforation gauge where the perforation of the stamps locks into raised pins. While there are lots of two-dimensional gauges available made from card-board, plastic, or aluminum, I am not aware of other pin gauges on the market. See image below. I have used it for years. There is no concern about damaging the stamp. The lid of the box doubles as a watermark tray.

Image Not FoundImage Not Found

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roy
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23 Nov 2014
10:05:18am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Problem with all these "non-transparent" perf guages is that they can't be used for stamps on cover!

I'd be lost without my Gibbons Instanta. It's always within reach in the drawer, inches from my right hand.

Roy


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DavidG
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APS member since 2004

23 Nov 2014
10:07:34am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Here is the Unitrade gauge available from Canada Post for $3.00 (Canadian). I've used this for years and it works great!

Image Not Found

David

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BobbyBarnhart
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23 Nov 2014
11:27:26am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

99% of the time I am checking common stamps, off cover, and use the small metal, UNI-Safe type gauges. For other purposes where the small gauge is not usable, there are 2 others I swear by:

For USA, the Sonic Imagery Labs Precision U. S. Specialty Multi-Gauge:
Image Not Found

And the Linn's Multi-Gauge:
Image Not Found


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DavidG
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APS member since 2004

23 Nov 2014
11:57:24am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Bobby:

I have the US Specialty Multigauge for my USA collecting and it is well worth it!

David

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"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
malcolm197

23 Nov 2014
12:21:24pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I mentioned the Instanta because it is the one I am familiar with.

In fact any transparent sliding -scale gauge is OK- the ones that are just dots are no good as you cannot measure the intermediate perfs.

You should also note that SG catalogues usually only quote perfs to the nearest 0.5 ( although some issues have footnotes contradicting this ).

Malcolm

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sheepshanks
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23 Nov 2014
02:21:57pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Maybe it's just me but the "U. S. Specialty Multi-Gauge" really looks overcrowded and far to busy. The simpler the better is my preferred way. Í will go with the SG one any day.
However, I do understand that we all like different things and I'm sure it is what people get used to using.
Vic

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BobbyBarnhart
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin

23 Nov 2014
04:46:00pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

For anything other than its intended purpose, I would agree with you Vic. However, for early US, it is invaluable. On one tool I have everything I need to make educated judgments on banknotes, grills, coils, rotary press issues, Washington/Franklins, etc. It is crowded, but it serves a multitude of purposes. I use the Linn's gauge probably as you use the SG gauge; but for day-to-day use, I prefer the metal gauge as it is small, not cumbersome, easy on my eyes, and simple.

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sheepshanks
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23 Nov 2014
05:44:43pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Thanks Bobby, guess I am going to need one when I get around to sorting a stock book of early presidents that I picked up recently. It kinda looks overwhelming at present. About a couple of thousand stamps in total.
Vic

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sheepshanks
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17 Oct 2016
08:23:08pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Well, after all this time I have a new problem, of sorts. I purchased the "Clearvue Gauge" perforation gauge from Unitrade.
I have used it on a number of occasions but today while trying to perf some GB Machins at 14 and 15 I noticed that if I counted up the scale from the bottom I came to a different line than from counting down.
I appreciate that it did not really make a difference in this instance but wonder if this was a manufacturing fault or if anyone else had noticed. Or perhaps I'm wrong.
Here is a scan of the relevant gauge.
Image Not Found
Comments appreciated.
Vic

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GeoStamper
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Steve

17 Oct 2016
11:16:01pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Vic,
Looks like a design mistake: 31 sets of perf marks (lines with dots) and 30 perf labels (numbers). Not sure how you fix that...At Wits End
-Steve

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snowy12
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17 Oct 2016
11:47:39pm

Auctions
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I have one on my computer "PERFOMaster',haven't used it for ages.Will have to give it a try to see if I remember what you have to do !!!!!!Thinking

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HungaryForStamps
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20 Oct 2016
06:07:58pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

StampMe,

I have the common metal Unitrade perf gauge that you have shown as well as the specialized US gauge and another one (forget what that is). I use the Unitrade gauge for almost all of my measurements (90%+) and its perfectly acceptable, at least for US, Swiss, Canadian, British, and Hungarian stamps. Rarely do I need to pull out the specialized gauge, but its useful to have.

I am about to order another Unitrade gauge as mine is wearing out. I also like this gauge because 1) its compact, 2) its metal 3) it has a dark background (black), which makes reading simple measurements (90% of your measurements) a snap and can provide a quick black background for examining (easy) watermarked paper (not US). (I use anything black or use back lighting for WM determination before I move my lazy behind to break out the Ronsonol.)

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Dakota
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21 Oct 2016
08:25:29pm
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I also use the Uni-Trade perforation gauge. I do have a Linn's Multi-gauge for when I need it.

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musicman
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APS #213005

22 Oct 2016
08:12:59am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I use four different multi-gauges -


the Honor-Bilt metal gauge;

Linn's/Scott clear multi-gauge;

Whitman's Whit-Perf sliding gauge (nice travel size);

and Stanley Gibbons Instanta Transparent Perf Gauge.


Each one has its own particular function that works best for me, depending on what I'm in need of at that time.





Randy

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whitebuffalo
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22 Oct 2016
08:45:43am
re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I'm feeling very inadequate right now.

But gosh, I've only been using this one for 48 years! You mean it might be time to upgrade, already! Happy

Image Not Found

I do need to get one of the clear-vue gauges, so I can read the perfs on mounted stamps. Hopefully, that'll bring me into the 21st century.


WB

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Author/Postings
Stampme

28 Sep 2014
04:42:51pm

I have the common metal Unitrade perf gauge. Shown for you to admire and heap praise upon me. However, what does the more accurate perf guage look like, the one(s) that measures minute fractions? More importantly, what do such contraptions cost?
Thanks,
BruceImage Not Found

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Members Picture
larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
28 Sep 2014
07:57:42pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Nine bucks

http://stores.nolastampshop.com/scott-linns-perforation-gauge/

Lars

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1 Member
likes this post.
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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

stamps.colp.info
Members Picture
Philatarium

APS #187980
28 Sep 2014
09:11:39pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I rely on the US Specialty Perforation Gauge, even though I use it on non-US stamps. About $16.

http://www.slingshotvenus.com/stamps/USSpecialtyPerf5.html

Here's perhaps a better explanation of it:

http://www.smpiller.com/Perfgauge.htm

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"You gotta put down the duckie if you wanna play the saxophone. (Hoots the Owl -- Sesame Street)"

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A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
29 Sep 2014
12:08:38am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Found one in a boxlot I ordered last winter amongst post cards. Pretty cool to have Happy I'd never seen them before.

Like
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this post

"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

drkellyfleming.ca
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larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
29 Sep 2014
01:46:44am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I've been using mine for years! A perf gauge works fine for US until you get to perfs like 11.2 versus 10.9. When you get to self-adhesive diecuts, a standard perf gauge is of limited use. The clear overlay scale really shines when you are measuring die cuts on stamps on cover or still on backing paper. I have yet to encounter anything (US only) that the Scott/Linn's gauge wouldn't work on, and I like the millimeter rule on one side. I just wish they would have added half mm marks for the first 30 mm. My old "IDEAL GAUGE" has marks for 1/2 mm through 40 mm. I rarely use it any more, except for the 1/2 mm gradations.

Lars

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"Expanding your knowledge faster than your collection can save you a few bucks."

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malcolm197

22 Nov 2014
11:22:34am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Anyone not in the USA should look at the Stanley Gibbons "Instanta". This has continuous lines that you can slide stamp up until the perf matches - and can easily be measured to about .05. Any more accurate than that and the lines are thicker than the divisions.

Malcoolm

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snowy12

22 Nov 2014
07:18:39pm

Auctions

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Hi All
This is the Stanley Gibbons "Instanta perforation gauge referred too by Malcolm 197
I have had this one for years.
Image Not Found
Brian

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TuskenRaider

22 Nov 2014
07:35:39pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Hi Everyone;

Don't buy that Stanley Gibbons Instanta, if you sort Washington/Franklins, because it will not work. Some of those stamps go as low as perf. 8½. I know because I've been sorting them for the last two days.

I use a White Ace that is identical to the unitrade one, made of Aluminum and it is just fine to use for the Washington/Franklins.

Just thought you should know
TuskenRaider

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www.webstore.com/sto ...
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Rhinelander

Support the Hobby -- Join the American Philatelic Society
23 Nov 2014
08:15:22am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I swear by the Lindner Phila-Combi-Box Perforation Gauge. This is a three-dimensional perforation gauge where the perforation of the stamps locks into raised pins. While there are lots of two-dimensional gauges available made from card-board, plastic, or aluminum, I am not aware of other pin gauges on the market. See image below. I have used it for years. There is no concern about damaging the stamp. The lid of the box doubles as a watermark tray.

Image Not FoundImage Not Found

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BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50 - Easy browsing 500 categories
23 Nov 2014
10:05:18am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Problem with all these "non-transparent" perf guages is that they can't be used for stamps on cover!

I'd be lost without my Gibbons Instanta. It's always within reach in the drawer, inches from my right hand.

Roy


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"Over 7,000 new covers coming Wednesday March 20. See my homepage for details."

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DavidG

APS member since 2004
23 Nov 2014
10:07:34am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Here is the Unitrade gauge available from Canada Post for $3.00 (Canadian). I've used this for years and it works great!

Image Not Found

David

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"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"

They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
23 Nov 2014
11:27:26am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

99% of the time I am checking common stamps, off cover, and use the small metal, UNI-Safe type gauges. For other purposes where the small gauge is not usable, there are 2 others I swear by:

For USA, the Sonic Imagery Labs Precision U. S. Specialty Multi-Gauge:
Image Not Found

And the Linn's Multi-Gauge:
Image Not Found


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"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke"

www.bobbybarnhart.ne ...
Members Picture
DavidG

APS member since 2004
23 Nov 2014
11:57:24am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Bobby:

I have the US Specialty Multigauge for my USA collecting and it is well worth it!

David

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"President, The Society for Costa Rica Collectors"
malcolm197

23 Nov 2014
12:21:24pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I mentioned the Instanta because it is the one I am familiar with.

In fact any transparent sliding -scale gauge is OK- the ones that are just dots are no good as you cannot measure the intermediate perfs.

You should also note that SG catalogues usually only quote perfs to the nearest 0.5 ( although some issues have footnotes contradicting this ).

Malcolm

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sheepshanks

23 Nov 2014
02:21:57pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Maybe it's just me but the "U. S. Specialty Multi-Gauge" really looks overcrowded and far to busy. The simpler the better is my preferred way. Í will go with the SG one any day.
However, I do understand that we all like different things and I'm sure it is what people get used to using.
Vic

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this post

They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
23 Nov 2014
04:46:00pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

For anything other than its intended purpose, I would agree with you Vic. However, for early US, it is invaluable. On one tool I have everything I need to make educated judgments on banknotes, grills, coils, rotary press issues, Washington/Franklins, etc. It is crowded, but it serves a multitude of purposes. I use the Linn's gauge probably as you use the SG gauge; but for day-to-day use, I prefer the metal gauge as it is small, not cumbersome, easy on my eyes, and simple.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke"

www.bobbybarnhart.ne ...
Members Picture
sheepshanks

23 Nov 2014
05:44:43pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Thanks Bobby, guess I am going to need one when I get around to sorting a stock book of early presidents that I picked up recently. It kinda looks overwhelming at present. About a couple of thousand stamps in total.
Vic

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this post
Members Picture
sheepshanks

17 Oct 2016
08:23:08pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Well, after all this time I have a new problem, of sorts. I purchased the "Clearvue Gauge" perforation gauge from Unitrade.
I have used it on a number of occasions but today while trying to perf some GB Machins at 14 and 15 I noticed that if I counted up the scale from the bottom I came to a different line than from counting down.
I appreciate that it did not really make a difference in this instance but wonder if this was a manufacturing fault or if anyone else had noticed. Or perhaps I'm wrong.
Here is a scan of the relevant gauge.
Image Not Found
Comments appreciated.
Vic

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Members Picture
GeoStamper

Steve
17 Oct 2016
11:16:01pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

Vic,
Looks like a design mistake: 31 sets of perf marks (lines with dots) and 30 perf labels (numbers). Not sure how you fix that...At Wits End
-Steve

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"What are you waiting for? Those stamps aren't going to collect themselves."
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snowy12

17 Oct 2016
11:47:39pm

Auctions

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I have one on my computer "PERFOMaster',haven't used it for ages.Will have to give it a try to see if I remember what you have to do !!!!!!Thinking

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this post
Members Picture
HungaryForStamps

20 Oct 2016
06:07:58pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

StampMe,

I have the common metal Unitrade perf gauge that you have shown as well as the specialized US gauge and another one (forget what that is). I use the Unitrade gauge for almost all of my measurements (90%+) and its perfectly acceptable, at least for US, Swiss, Canadian, British, and Hungarian stamps. Rarely do I need to pull out the specialized gauge, but its useful to have.

I am about to order another Unitrade gauge as mine is wearing out. I also like this gauge because 1) its compact, 2) its metal 3) it has a dark background (black), which makes reading simple measurements (90% of your measurements) a snap and can provide a quick black background for examining (easy) watermarked paper (not US). (I use anything black or use back lighting for WM determination before I move my lazy behind to break out the Ronsonol.)

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Dakota

21 Oct 2016
08:25:29pm

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I also use the Uni-Trade perforation gauge. I do have a Linn's Multi-gauge for when I need it.

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www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
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musicman

APS #213005
22 Oct 2016
08:12:59am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I use four different multi-gauges -


the Honor-Bilt metal gauge;

Linn's/Scott clear multi-gauge;

Whitman's Whit-Perf sliding gauge (nice travel size);

and Stanley Gibbons Instanta Transparent Perf Gauge.


Each one has its own particular function that works best for me, depending on what I'm in need of at that time.





Randy

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this post
Members Picture
whitebuffalo

22 Oct 2016
08:45:43am

re: Minutely Accurate Perforation Gauge

I'm feeling very inadequate right now.

But gosh, I've only been using this one for 48 years! You mean it might be time to upgrade, already! Happy

Image Not Found

I do need to get one of the clear-vue gauges, so I can read the perfs on mounted stamps. Hopefully, that'll bring me into the 21st century.


WB

Like
Login to Like
this post
        

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