Can anyone recommend a good first Multimeter for saber building?

[samurai_rob]

Never had one before, but been told I need to get one. Any advice?

[Rhyen Skytracker]

If you want a real good one get a fluke, I use a fluke model number 87 http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke80SeriesV.htm . There are cheaper versions, but make sure they will measure voltage, resistance (ohms) and DC current (in mA). You have to be careful when measuring current on most meters, you usually have to swap one of the leads and measure it in series. Make sure to read the instructions.

[Thaxos]

Fluke is a great brand. I make due with whatever I have kicking around. As long as you know how to use it, and it has the setting you need, just about any one will work. I haven't run across any duds yet.

[samurai_rob]

Thanks, Guys!

[Swordlord]

If you want a real good one get a fluke, I use a fluke model number 87 http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke80SeriesV.htm . There are cheaper versions, but make sure they will measure voltage, resistance (ohms) and DC current (in mA). You have to be careful when measuring current on most meters, you usually have to swap one of the leads and measure it in series. Make sure to read the instructions.

Is there a less expensive, good multimeter around?
$375 smackers is a bit rich for a multimeter (at least for my wallet).

[Do-Clo]

This will work for saber building, you don't really need an expensive meter.
http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=17191+TE

[Jedi-Loreen]

I've had Fluke meters at some of my jobs, they are nice, but definitely not necessary for the average hobbyist.

I have this one that I paid $20, though I've heard they can be had for less:



http://www.extech.com/instruments/pr...=49&prodid=297

For me, a must have is an audible Continuity/Diode tester, because I'm used to it and don't like to have to actually look at the meter to test this.

[Hasid Lafre]

Its a multimeter, not rocket science.

[Zook]

I have a fluke for work (had it for 17 years) and love it BUT I got tired of taking my DMM from my tools to bring in the house for stuff around the house so I just went to radio shack and bought a $30 DMM that works well (they had cheaper ones but I liked this one better) for home projects (sabers included). I also bought a $5 small DMM from harbor freight that works pretty well also (cant remember the measurements it takes) but I haven't seen it in a while because one of my kids ran off with it.

[acerocket]

I have a Craftsman 30 function MM. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ord=multimeter

I really have never had any problems with this one and I bought it about 5 years ago. One feature I really like is the temperature function. Comes in handy if you want to know how hot your heatsink is getting. Like J-Lo, I highly recommend an audible continuity tester.