Deciphering mesh count

[TCT]

We got a great deal on a huge stretcher and a boatload of mesh from a sign company auction. Is there a way I can find out what the mesh count is on some of the rolls? One of the tubes they have 355 marked(I figured that one out )the rest don't have any markings from what I can tell.  There is a TON of mesh,  and it would be a shame to let it go to waste.  Just from the feel I'm gonna guess it is all 190+.

[Ryan]

order up one of those mesh calculators. have no idea what they are really called, probably mesh calculator.

[ericheartsu]

we ordered ours from victory factory but it only works for  280 and below i believe.

[GKitson]

Mesh calculators come in/work on different mesh count ranges, so make sure and ask questions when you order.

[mk162]

the one I have will show a 305, but as a 150 or something like that...it shows what it is at 50% of it's value, it pretty easy to figure out that a 305 isn't a 150.

[Orion]

Take a look at this one.

http://awt-gpi.com/product94.htm

[Printficient]

Coming from a sign shop I would think that most of the mesh would be above 305.  i.e. 420, 380, etc.

[Grumpy Ole Artist]

If I'm not missing something high-tech...I would simply measure/mark a quarter inch down the length of the "mystery bolts"...Pop a loupe/magnifier on it (or a zoomed digi cam pic), and count threads...multiply times 4, and voila!

[Screened Gear]

How does a mesh calculator work? Is there 2 readings stretched and unstructured?

[ScreenFoo]

The ones I've used have sets of lines that create moire patterns that point to the mesh count number going down the side of the scale--you put the calculator on the mesh lined up with the threads (either warp or weft works) and look through it.

Counts will vary from 'free' to tensioned mesh, but not by a huge amount.

As far as counting it, you may have it easier counting accurately marking ten millimeters to find the 'standard' count in threads/cm--as I understand it, been a while since anyone's woven screen mesh in imperial units, the figures just get converted and printed on bolts for our sake...

[3Deep]

We got the one Orion showed there from GPI, we did the same thing bought out another shop who had tons of mesh with no markings, it works great, just make sure you have plenty of light to see the cross hairs.

Darryl

Ps dam I have to agree with Sonny, coming from a sign shop I'm high mesh to

[TCT]

I just got one of the AWT scales like ScreenFoo was talking about, works like a charm!

I lucked out- I got a a$$ load of 230 & 305, some 150-ish and some 355.