My opinion is that a "reasonable quality" dial caliper is a very handy tool to have in the shop, particularly when you are in a situation that you want to match a thickness or make some other appropriate measurement. I say "reasonable quality" because "insanely accurate and expensive" isn't likely to pay off for this particular tool unless you also work with metal. Why? Even on the same day, a piece of wood may vary slightly in thickness over time and actually adjusting our machinery to such a high level of accuracy is difficult and sometimes impossible. So, while buying "quality" tools is a no brainer, spending a fortune for a dial caliper that will only be used with wood may not be the best financial decision. That said, it's perfectly appropriate for anyone who prefers buying "the best" to do so for this tool, too. That's a personal preference decision and something that only the individual can make.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...