Big Redneck,
WD40 and 0000steel wool is mild enough that you won't hurt it.Electronic calipers are cheap enough now(other than top of the line)that everyone should have 3(1 for the shop,1 for the loading room,and 1 for the den).They are easier than dial calipers,certainly easier than vernier calipers.Also, I use mine to convert in/mm and mm/in.Then you wouldn't need a machinist to measure for you,just remember to "zero" the scale.
Mike