Yeah, I understand it's role. But, I still don't see much use for even getting the reading. You never know how much clear coat is there no matter what the reading is. Unless you painted it yourself...you're really never safe when getting into correction.
I personally feel it's an over priced tool, that really is unnecessary. So the paint reads thin...that doesn't mean you can't correct the clear coat. Say the paint reads thick...that doesn't tell me by any means that it's safe to work on that paint. Say it reads average...still doesn't matter. So you go and measure the door jamb, then the panels, compare and try to make a judgment on the clear coat...you're still not sure (although I do see why this would be done). So how does this reading really change anything you were going to do in the first place?
All that matters is the clear coat, which this expensive tool gives you absolutely no reading for. So again...what's the point? Just my opinion. I feel it gives you a false sense of security, or insecurity. Fact is...heavy correction is risky. Always has been, and most likely will be. No matter what kind of reading I get...it doesn't change my process. It's just about knowing your limits, and using your knowledge to make the best decision based on what you see in front of you. That's just how I feel about it anyways.
Of course I'm speaking only of clear coated paint...not single stage. With single stage, I can absolutely see the point of getting a reading. But, the cheaper, more simple tool the OP originally posted about is more than fine for that IMO.
