Have you switched to metric? What did you think?

[fritter63]

Yes, I too have switched because the math is easier at my age! Fewer mistakes by far. Still have to jump back and forth though...
getting ready to convert my Incra TS fence to metric.

For conversions, I use both Fastcap dual tape, and I have an app on my iPhone called "allRPNCalc" which is basically an HP calc simulator and has a conversion mode where you can set the units for both sides and do a quick conversion.

 

[junk731]

Like Marty said Canada switched to metric about 40 years ago. I was taught in imperial and still use it today, the funny part is I honestly don't know anyone that works the trades that uses metric and most materials related to woodworking are sold in imperial. All building projects in NA big or small are metric measurements that have been converted from imperial so some of the arguments that its easier to work in 10's don't hold much water. In all honesty if you have any math skills its all just marks on a stick and both work extremely well dependent on the given project.

John

 

[fritter63]

arguments that its easier to work in 10's don't hold much water. In all honesty if you have any math skills its all just marks on a stick and both work extremely well dependent on the given project.

Now, THAT is funny.

Let's see, math skills.... I earned the "Bank of America Outstanding Math Achievement" award in High School. My SAT math component was in the top 2% of the U.S. Add 4 quarters of calculus in college, plus a minor in Statistics. I think I have math skills.

And still, working in metric and all one unit (mm) is far easier than dealing with fractions and inches.

Maybe if you just work with story sticks and somebody else does the hard work for you... ;-)

 

[junk731]

arguments that its easier to work in 10's don't hold much water. In all honesty if you have any math skills its all just marks on a stick and both work extremely well dependent on the given project.

Now, THAT is funny.

Let's see, math skills.... I earned the "Bank of America Outstanding Math Achievement" award in High School. My SAT math component was in the top 2% of the U.S. Add 4 quarters of calculus in college, plus a minor in Statistics. I think I have math skills.

And still, working in metric and all one unit (mm) is far easier than dealing with fractions and inches.

Maybe if you just work with story sticks and somebody else does the hard work for you... ;-)

Interesting but in both worlds you are still dealing in fractions, 12" / 3" is 4" , 10mm / 3mm is 3 1/3mm, 10mm / 4mm is 2 1/2mm just 2 very common examples but maybe you get the point of real world examples. I wasn't referring to story sticks which are also marks on a stick extremely useful when used properly. I was referring to those magical devices called rulers, marked in imperial or metric, which at the very simplest form are marks on a stick. Sorry I only have grade 10 math and worked in the trades for the last 45 years. I do all the hard math without a calculator mostly in my head...

John

 

[rst]

Once I started buying Festool I began to use metric.  It is sooo much easier to do layout work.  That being said I use both depending on the job at hand.  I use construction master calculaters, desk and hand, and have a conversion app on my Droid.  All the Woodpeckers tools I have bought are metric and am about to convert my Incra LS positioner.  I use metric for my milling machine and my micrometers.  When I'm doing construction, mostly entrance replacements and automatic door installation, it's imperial. 

 

[Stephen B]

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Comment on the fact that tyres are still purchased in inches in Australia, despite we being a metric country.