Few Questions about Going Metric

[joetucker]

For a host of reasons, I think I've decided to go metric.  Primarily - despite having a math background, I've always hated doing fractional conversions - it seems so inefficient compared to the simplicity of using mm.  Second - I have three young sons who are wanting to join me in the shop who don't yet have strong fraction skills, but are ready and able to work - metric seems like a much easier system from which to teach.

I've searched the forum and read quite a bit, but had a handful of specific questions I'd like to get some feedback on.

1.  How have you dealt with Imperial scaling on your other, non-festool tools?  For instance, my dewalt table saw and planer are both imperial and most of the advice I've read is to try to go 'cold turkey'

2.  What challenges, if any, do you have in terms of buying materials and things like drill bits, etc that are all based on the imperial system?

3.  What is your favorite calculator/app to do fractional imperial conversions to mm?  I'm thinking about converting plans to metric, etc.

4.  What other challenges have you had in making the switch? 

Thanks in advance!

 

[JZ Bowmannz]

I have multiple copies of this pinned to my work benches and in the drawers... as reference.

[attachthumb=1]

Also, I own (4) tape measures that have both scales, but always reference 1 inch is about 25mm in my mind to get a general idea.

As far as fabricating parts, commit to one system, and measure everything in one system. Story stick is a also good friend.

But, no rule said you can't use both.

 

[Stone Message]

I converted a long long time ago and admit that it was not easy as I still thought Imperial when making rough judgements. It took about 5 years and was helped by forcing myself to use AutoCAD and all of the other planning in mm.

I always have a calculator in the workshop and all you need to know is that 1" = 25.4 mm.

Try to work in mm even for larger projects as getting into centimeters and even metres can be a bore.

Switch your drills, especially your Forstners as soon as you can.

Get metric callipers, tape measures and rules as soon as you can.

Try and get metric scales for any legacy machines.

Enjoy the freedom and fewer math mistakes.

Well done and good luck.

Peter

 

[GhostFist]

Make sure you have a good support group. Coming out as metric is sometimes met with abuse.

 

[bigred00]

Fastcap do adhesive scales in metric. Might be good to replace your imperial scales on some of your tools with these or at least have them beside each other. Don't have a link handy but just check out their site. They also do good tape measures and rulers in metric. I changed up when I started this Festool addiction and have loved everything being a whole number!  As mentioned above, keep everything in mm. It's great for the mind  [big grin]

 

[Tayler_mann]

I made the conversion a year ago and haven't looked back yet. However one thing to remember is living in the US you do have to use imperial in some cases. When buying lumber, plywood, and other materials/consumables. Just make your build plans in metric and it works out ok. For your saw maybe try to find an accurate decal of a metric scale to tape over it.

 

[sancho57]

Biggest mistake I find my self doing is witching back and forth on the same project. Kinda messes this up.

Remembering the standard measurements such as 1"= 25mm helps.