A well done and explained video and something I wish I had available 30+ yrs ago. I'm about 5 months late, but a couple of tips I've picked up for maybe some of the finer details. While I've got decimal equivalent charts and used to use them all the time, I'll now rarely bother to check anything on them I haven't already got memorized since machining almost demands having a a calculator of some type handy. Many don't seem to know that fractional inches are easily converted to there decimal equivalent with a few simple key strokes. Just take the top number in any fraction (the numerator) and divide it by the lower number. (the denominator) it works for every fraction you can come up with, even one's you'd never run across. 37/197ths for example. 37 divided by 197. Rounded off, =.187817" and some change. Or something common, 9/16ths. 9 divided by 16 = .5625". I've also watched quite a few of Mitutoyo's older videos on their YT channel. That thumb wheel on most calipers is really meant for faster and coarser size adjustments. Mit. recommends the best technique for smaller measurements is to use your thumb and forefinger on the back side of each jaw and directly opposite where each caliper jaw will touch a round shaft on each side. That lessens the chance of the small amount of clearances in the calipers slide assembly affecting the measurement. For round or flat sided and parallel parts, then the item to be measured should also be placed as far up in the jaws and as close to the scale bar as you can get. For larger objects, then both hands are used to gently close the jaws against the part. Again and as you said in the video, developing and using the same amount of feel or pressure each time is also important. My Mit digital calipers are the best I've ever used, and I've checked them and my technique on good gauge blocks. But while there accurate, if I need to know I'm measuring to better than about .003" and be sure of that. I'll still use a mike. And what ever accuracy I get on those gauge blocks in the best conditions I can manage, is a whole lot different than measuring parts still in the lathe or mill and under most average shop situations. And for multiple double checks and repeatable measurements to again be 100% sure of the results. Mit also recommends using the same number of clicks on the ratchet each time for consistency. Again I've tried it on those gauge blocks and you can sometimes see a 1/2 10th change between measurements at times. That may or may not be important for most of us, but it is a more consistent technique. So I use 5 slow clicks when I think it really counts on something critical.

Digital is fast and convenient but the vernier scale is more durable . Very nice to have both on the same micrometer .

I use that same Mitutoyo digital mic in my shop. It's fast, easy and extremely precise. If I were to do it over again though, I'd get the fast travel version.

Dont forget to lock the mic down

For somebody new to machining, how long would you say it takes to develop "the feel" and be able to know "the feel" is accurate?

When I use a mechanical micrometer I take a photo and then enlarge it, mainly because my eyes aren't as good as they once were.

The whole deal about using nominal drill sizes seems personal. Its almost like you have had to deal with custom size tools when a nominal size would be in spec on a regular basis. 😂

Digital mics are for amateurs.