MEASURING APPARATUS

A machine for and method of providing dimensional measurements are provided and such machine has a carrier which is freely movable substantially in one plane and the carrier supports an elongated support for movement transverse such plane. The elongated support carries a gaging device at its lower end which enables rapid positioning of the carrier and support upon engagement thereof against an associated workpiece. The device has an outer housing and a shaft which is supported for precisely controlled telescoping movement within such housing and the shaft is provided with a gaging probe at its outer end. The shaft and gaging probe have a mass and combined length which is small compared to the mass and length of the elongated support enabling rapid retraction of the gaging probe against an associated stop using inexpensive retractable means comprising such device. The small mass of the shaft and probe also assure that the probe may be yieldingly urged by associated urging means against an associated workpiece with a precisely controlled force to thereby assure such workpiece will not be damaged.