Ah Tim...this is like putting a heroin addict on methadone...you just end up prolonging the agony. I must admit that my first reaction to your thoughtful efforts was elation..."Yippee, I can finally stop trying to think European!", but after a moment of reflection I realized the inevitability of my Imperialist plight. Efforts of American hegemony aside, I'm afraid that we will not be successful in eventually ruling the world, and as such I'm stuck having to adapt to the tens based preference of my favorite tool maker. Maybe when we find a way to bomb/invade Germany (wouldn't that stand history on its head?) in the name of "spreading democracy" I'll finally be able to abandon the constant frustrations of metric functioning. Is it possible that we could convince our rulers that one of our nation's "vital strategic interests" is the abolition of the metric system (right up there with the fluoridation of our water as a commie plot).
Hey...does anybody know if Germany has any oil?
Sorry for the tongue in cheek...just couldn't resist. Countless are the times that I've screwed the pooch by guesstimating metrically, but I'm nothing if not stubborn. I will not let this simple numbering system beat me. Everything in my shop that can be is now Festool (where's that band saw and planer that I wished for?), and I have to admit that I've bastardized my Italian band saw with many an Imperial upgrade, but the march of metricity is unyielding. I realize the inevitability of it all and I submit.
My rambling diatribe notwithstanding, big kudos on the considerate offer. Even though I've not contributed here, as a long time lurker I can honestly say that your attitude is a reflection of what makes FOG such a wonderful resource. Now if I could just find a way to get Starrett to start making Festool-centric gear...