"But what could you use two dozen gauge blocks for?

A small number of gauge blocks can be used to create accurate lengths within a wide range.

Gauge blocks are the main means of length standardization used by industry.

Gauge blocks are available in various grades, depending on their intended use.

Using gauge blocks, the top surface is made horizontal.

An important feature of gauge blocks is that they can be joined together with very little dimensional uncertainty.

This force causes gauge blocks to adhere even without surface lubricants, and in a vacuum.

Gauge blocks would typically be used to initially set the width of the measuring aperture(s).

Gauge blocks come in sets of blocks with a range of standard lengths.

Because of their ultraflat surfaces, when wrung, gauge blocks adhere to each other tightly.

"Barman, can you guess why the Venus Equilateral crowd would want two dozen gauge blocks?

Carl Edvard Johansson was the inventor of gauge blocks.

Angles are measured using a sine bar with the help of gauge blocks and a dial gauge or a spirit level.

The accuracy of micrometers is checked by using them to measure gauge blocks, rods, or similar standards whose lengths are precisely and accurately known.

Gauge blocks were invented in 1896 by Swedish machinist Carl Edvard Johansson.

A stack of gauge blocks with external caliper-jaw accessories, all clamped together, acts as a quickly assembled custom-size go or no-go gauge.

Interferometry is used in the calibration of slip gauges (called gauge blocks in the US) and in coordinate-measuring machines.

Tungsten carbide is a common material used in the manufacture of gauge blocks, used as a system for producing precision lengths in dimensional metrology.

Gauge blocks (also known as gage blocks, Johansson gauges, slip gauges, or Jo blocks) are a system for producing precision lengths.

Gauge blocks are usually made either from hardened alloy tool steels or from cemented carbides (such as tungsten carbide or tantalum carbide).

Blocks are kept very lightly oiled, and are stored and used in dry climate-controlled conditions; unplated, uncoated steel gauge blocks can last for decades without rusting.

The system relied on machine tools, jigs for guiding the tools and fixtures for properly holding the work and gauge blocks for checking the fit of parts.

In fact, you usually have a whole set of gauge blocks to build up to any desired dimension so that you don't have to stock a half-million of different sizes."

Millwrights are trained to work with a wide array of precision tools, such as vernier calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, levels, gauge blocks, and optical and laser alignment tooling.

Gauge blocks come in sets of blocks of various lengths, along with two wear blocks, to allow a wide variety of standard lengths to be made up by stacking them.