Book measuring devices

Cathy Atwood <catwood [at] mail__more__net> writes

>I am interested in devices that are used to measure books in order to
>make boxes for the books.

We have a book measuring device from Mike Waters of Custom Manufacturing
Inc (CMI MicroClimates) that is several years old.  (I think we got one
of his first prototypes.)  I have no idea whether he is marketing it but
I think it works much better than at least one other commercially
available device that had been (and may still be) on the market.

It is well-constructed and finished, including a Formica-like plastic
laminated base:  23" L x 15" W x 7" H (two sides).  The measuring "arm"
(7" H x 13" W) moves in a machined aluminum track which has no
perceptible play in it.  A plexi panel attached horizontally to the arm
has inscribed on it a black mark/line that is calibrated to a millimeter
ruler inlaid in the plastic laminate.  The arm moves in the track with a
very reassuring and accurate sound and feel.

It seems unlikely that anyone could make a mistake using this device,
but you can't account for everything.  I like it.  I like it.  Call CMI
at 301-869-2191.  I do not have any pricing info, although it seems like
Mike mentioned that it would surely be more than $100 a pop.  But don't
me quote because I didn't say a thing.

Robert J. Milevski
Preservation Librarian
Princeton University Libraries
One Washington Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08544
609-258-5591
Fax: 609-258-4105 or -5571

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 8:83
                 Distributed: Wednesday, April 12, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-8-83-004
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