Paint Depth Gauge

Anyone have any suggests for a paint depth gauge that won't break the bank? I've gotten in deep, real deep, with detailing and paint correction and feel the need to have one in my tool belt for projects (I have a neglected 1965 Mustang 2x2 Fastback that needs a buffing).

The two I've found after researching were the Richmeters GY910 ($34....sounds too good to be true and super cheap) and a mid-range Nicety CMM8806 ($160).

 

The reliable ones I have used it the railroad industry are $600-$1k.

 

Oof. That's what I'm trying to avoid...but I understand the "pay to play" and "buy once, cry once" theologies.

 

I’ve not used one. Maybe @Omohundro has some suggestions.

 

I haven’t used one in a long time but the one I used was relatively cheap it measured in mils of thickness it looked like a tire depth gauge almost and had a magnet on it and you pulled the body of it up and watched to see how many mils it was till the magnet let go. Then just needed to figure out what kind of paint was on it base/clear, single stage etc.
so for reference a modern car if memory serves me correctly has roughly 3-6 mils of paint/clear give or take. Hope that helps

 

Obviously it doubt work on aluminum

 

We’ve used a mid level one in the shop for years. Has held up well to our abuse. Not savvy enough to post a link but have the model number. CM-8825FN. Looks like Amazon sells it for about $250.