metrically challenged, need help !!
- Thread starter stevelf
- Start date
I have a funky "gift" of being able to look at an opening in a cabinet (I sell lot's of TV's) and call out the measurment within 1/4".
While I intuitively know that the metric system is far more practicle and efficient, I'm still having a hard time teaching my brain to work that way. I still find myself "converting" the measurements.
This is not unlike being able to speak Spanish, but not fluently. I have to translate, formulate a response, translate back, and then speak. I can't think and respond in Spanish natively, nor can I "think" in metric.
I hope I overcome this, but I still find it difficult. I have a few basic units (conversions) memorized that I don't have to think about (3/4"=19mm as an example). I have a dual unit tape measure in my shop, but I think I might be better off ditching it and going straight metric. I think it would also help to ditch my imperial tape in my tool kit I use for work.
Guess I'll be doing some shopping this weekend.
While I intuitively know that the metric system is far more practicle and efficient, I'm still having a hard time teaching my brain to work that way. I still find myself "converting" the measurements.
This is not unlike being able to speak Spanish, but not fluently. I have to translate, formulate a response, translate back, and then speak. I can't think and respond in Spanish natively, nor can I "think" in metric.
I hope I overcome this, but I still find it difficult. I have a few basic units (conversions) memorized that I don't have to think about (3/4"=19mm as an example). I have a dual unit tape measure in my shop, but I think I might be better off ditching it and going straight metric. I think it would also help to ditch my imperial tape in my tool kit I use for work.
Guess I'll be doing some shopping this weekend.
mwhafner said:
Funny! This is the only piece of imperial gear I still use Down Here, and it's only for checking diagonals or getting an inside cab measure. But I don't use the markings at all, just transfer to the piece. Wouldn't care if it was marked in Martian.
With great restraint I shall avoid the temptation to re fight the metric V imperial wars and add two comments to the conversation.
1) I have found that my cheap digital caliper that measures both and also decimalizes fractions has been invaluable. Want to take a 1/16" off that Ipe with your planer? Open the jaws to 1/16", press the button and presto!: 1.65mm. It's not perfect but did I mention it's cheap? Also good for determining fence height setting on Domino. Much as I dislike the depth stop measurement on my OF 1400, when cutting dadoes or rabbets I make a test cut on scrap and then fine tune in tenths of a millimeter with the adjuster. When I open my caliper to 0.1 mm it can't count that small in fractions! It says 1/128" is 0.16mm.
2) Does it really matter how accurate your tape measure is if you only use one tape measure?
1) I have found that my cheap digital caliper that measures both and also decimalizes fractions has been invaluable. Want to take a 1/16" off that Ipe with your planer? Open the jaws to 1/16", press the button and presto!: 1.65mm. It's not perfect but did I mention it's cheap? Also good for determining fence height setting on Domino. Much as I dislike the depth stop measurement on my OF 1400, when cutting dadoes or rabbets I make a test cut on scrap and then fine tune in tenths of a millimeter with the adjuster. When I open my caliper to 0.1 mm it can't count that small in fractions! It says 1/128" is 0.16mm.
2) Does it really matter how accurate your tape measure is if you only use one tape measure?
I truly hope it doesn't appear to be a fight.
Everyone has a right to choose their own work method, and what works for you might not work for me.
My way isn't the right way, just mine.
1) I used my digital calipers until the battery went. Too lazy to replace it.
2) No it doesn't, you're right.
Everyone has a right to choose their own work method, and what works for you might not work for me.
My way isn't the right way, just mine.
1) I used my digital calipers until the battery went. Too lazy to replace it.
2) No it doesn't, you're right.
fidelfs
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- Mar 2, 2007
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- 523
Well, the second question for me is debatable. I use my biesemeyer fence with its measure and I also use the tapes for the other cuts.
It gets confusing after awhile to remember what cuts I did with my Table saw vs any other tool (TS55 or bandsaw). That is the reason I want the tape measure be right on with my Table saw fence. Yeah!, I know I can use the tape to measure from the blade etc. but why bother if I have a very accurate one in the fence.
It gets confusing after awhile to remember what cuts I did with my Table saw vs any other tool (TS55 or bandsaw). That is the reason I want the tape measure be right on with my Table saw fence. Yeah!, I know I can use the tape to measure from the blade etc. but why bother if I have a very accurate one in the fence.
Eli,
No , not for a moment do I suggest that the tone is anything but civil. I was referring to threads I've read on the topic of metric versus imperial and trying to avoid that spiral.
Fidelfs,
Your point is well taken. I have been doing accurate work for years with the same system as you and like you, I suspect, try and avoid introducing human error with tapes when transferring measurements..
No , not for a moment do I suggest that the tone is anything but civil. I was referring to threads I've read on the topic of metric versus imperial and trying to avoid that spiral.
Fidelfs,
Your point is well taken. I have been doing accurate work for years with the same system as you and like you, I suspect, try and avoid introducing human error with tapes when transferring measurements..
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