Hank, just got to reading your post and would like to comment on your gage. It really does not make a difference if it is a Harbor Freight of Starrett as long as the tension keeps it from slipping. The micrometer it what you are using for readings.
Also, in the length of your telescoping gage, I was taught that the gage is put in the cylinder, release tension and rock left or right in cylinder then tighten and move to vertical and withdraw from cylinder. Using your gage you cannot do this because of the length.
