Paint Thickness Guage

[Maestro Sam]

Ordered the CM8801FN after reading some reviews and received it today. The machine does not provide accurate readings or even read the same readings. After following the instruction, the device does not calibrate back to 0. I maybe have got a defected one, and will not want to reorder and go through this hassle again. Should I go big and get the defelsko? Has anyone had good experience with those or the highlines?

Thanks!

[Setec Astronomy]

Does not calibrate back to zero when, on the calibration disc? Eddy current is not the most precise or repeatable measurement, if you put it down on different spots on the car you will get different readings, even spots that are close to each other (when I say different, I mean a tenth of a mil if you are reading in inches).

This might help you too: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/89796-cm8802fn-ptg-has-anyone-been-able-calibrate.html

[Heisenberg]

I've had mine for about 2 years and it still measures fine. Never had a problem getting it to zero out on the shims or calibrating it if necessary.

This video made by a member here was pretty helpful: https://youtu.be/PWM4NRPAxLE

[Maestro Sam]

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Here are some of the readings from the thickness guage. The calibration shim measures 1.9 mils/49 microns. Placing the guage on the same shim reads numbers from low 1.3 to high as 3.1 mils. I did config it using the youtube video and was wondering if these were pretty accurate for these budget devices?

[AutowerxDetailing]

Make sure the plastic wrap is peeled off of the metal calibration discs. It's really really thin... I didn't notice it at first when I originally got mine.

[Maestro Sam]

Does not calibrate back to zero when, on the calibration disc? Eddy current is not the most precise or repeatable measurement, if you put it down on different spots on the car you will get different readings, even spots that are close to each other (when I say different, I mean a tenth of a mil if you are reading in inches).


This might help you too: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/89796-cm8802fn-ptg-has-anyone-been-able-calibrate.html

I took couple of readings on the calibration shims that was in the box. The shim plastic piece reads 1.9 mils. I am getting crazy readings from 1.1 mils to 70 mils. Watched that video and tried to fix it without avail ;(.


I've had mine for about 2 years and it still measures fine. Never had a problem getting it to zero out on the shims or calibrating it if necessary.

This video made by a member here was pretty helpful: https://youtu.be/PWM4NRPAxLE[
Already watched it without any luck. Thanks for the link though ;).

[QUOTE=Nicholas@Autowerx;1420801]Make sure the plastic wrap is peeled off of the metal calibration discs. It's really really thin... I didn't notice it at first when I originally got mine.

Plastic wrap, whch was green was removed before taking readings. Measuring the calibrating shims of 1.9, I would get some crazy numbers from 1.1 up to 70 mils!

[zmcgovern45]

I had that gauge for a few years and was able to calibrate it and use it without issues. I know someone else who thought they had a defective unit, but it turned out he wasn't exactly following the steps to calibrate it. Are you sure you're doing everything right?

[Maestro Sam]

I will try again tonight after a honda Crv full paint correction "wish me good luck"!

[rmagnus]

I've never had an issue with mine either. Always reads zero on the calibration disk. I hint this is a very reliable device as far as I can tell. Damn handy when compounding or sanding clear coat. Frustrating when you can't get things to work properly, good luck. Always go back to the basics and try recalibration get again.

[Maestro Sam]

So I returned the old one and purchased the same one on amazon. The readings can be accurate. However, if I place the device on different areas of the shim, I get vast numbers (+- 10). I am starting to think the device is not defective, but there must be something wrong with the shim? Maybe the thickness of the shim, like a cars paint, is different in different areas. Can anyone chime in? Thanks!