Non Metric Overlays

[rrmccabe]

Bumping an old thread since I too have the same desire for inches, and yes I think a tool sold here should have the option of using the measuring system used here. A dual scale would be best, quite familiar with that in the typical ruler in my desk, metric on one side, inches on the other.

Guess this is why I have shipped about 70 overlays for the TS55 and OF1400 since Thursday.

 

[Paul G]

Bumping an old thread since I too have the same desire for inches, and yes I think a tool sold here should have the option of using the measuring system used here. A dual scale would be best, quite familiar with that in the typical ruler in my desk, metric on one side, inches on the other.

Guess this is why I have shipped about 70 overlays for the TS55 and OF1400 since Thursday.

Yup, I wonder how many people have looked at a Festool in the store and saw only metric and set it down and walked away.

 

[jmbfestool]

Bumping an old thread since I too have the same desire for inches, and yes I think a tool sold here should have the option of using the measuring system used here. A dual scale would be best, quite familiar with that in the typical ruler in my desk, metric on one side, inches on the other.

Guess this is why I have shipped about 70 overlays for the TS55 and OF1400 since Thursday.

Yup, I wonder how many people have looked at a Festool in the store and saw only metric and set it down and walked away.

Festool make quality superior tools.

Metric is superior than imperial.  [tongue]

So some one who picks the tool up and puts it back down can't see the benefits in the tool nor the benefits in metric system.

 

[Paul G]

Bumping an old thread since I too have the same desire for inches, and yes I think a tool sold here should have the option of using the measuring system used here. A dual scale would be best, quite familiar with that in the typical ruler in my desk, metric on one side, inches on the other.

Guess this is why I have shipped about 70 overlays for the TS55 and OF1400 since Thursday.

Yup, I wonder how many people have looked at a Festool in the store and saw only metric and set it down and walked away.

Festool make quality superior tools.

Metric is superior than imperial.   [tongue]

So some one who picks the tool up and puts it back down can't see the benefits in the tool nor the benefits in metric system.

I thought the goal for Festool USA was to sell more tools in America.  ??? I'm in America and am providing my constructive feedback to the company to improve the tools for my market. I'm not interested in the pissing match between metric and inches. Just like you I learned on one system and that's what is common around here. The inch gauge I added to my TS 55 REQ (provided by Festool) won't make it cut one bit better or worse, but at least I can set the depth quickly and intuitively in the scale I know and that is common here in America. I'm glad you like metric, I'd probably be fine with it also if it was everywhere here but it is not.

 

[rrmccabe]

I wont argue that metric is not better because it truly is a better system.  But in the US they started the push in the 70s and never did it right. So we have a mix of both now.

I ripped down a bunch of sheet goods this weekend. I went to the lumber yard and picked up a few sheets of 13 mm and also some 19mm plywood.  Oh wait they were out so I had to get 1/2 and 3/4. LOL  The screws I got were 1 1/4" too.

So it really doesn't matter what is better here. It just has to match the materials we buy.

And I will say it was very nice using the TS55 with the new overlay set which accounts for the 5mm track.  Set the saw to the plus side of 3/4 and rip, plus side of 1/2 and rip...

So until we start selling metric materials here, imperial measuring tools are the way to go.

 

[ridgenj]

Excellent point about the materials we are getting  here in the US. Very difficult to match all materials. I was drilling with my beautiful metric centrotec bits and wondered why the crews from Homedepot didn't fitted well, yes, one has to match all your tools to your materials.
On the  other hand, I have been trying to get two component Boeing Grey RAL color paint in the US and no luck. In Europe you get it in any good hardware place.
It is what it is and let's enjoy our hobby at both sides of the pond or far away down under.

Just my humble suggestion.
Cheers
Luis

 

[PaulMarcel]

I'm holding out for imperial stickers divided into tenths.  I just can't shake that system since learning on a manual typewriter.

 

[Stephen B]

From my post in How To ....

Some thoughts on Metric System.

My father was a carpenter when metric came in for Australia in 1970. After several frustrating months, he solved his frustration by simply throwing away his imperial rulers.

As for myself, I sometimes measure in imperial for increased accuracy.

I also work part time in a timber yard. Many customers of all ages still ask for 4x2and 3x1 1/2 inch when they really want 90x45 and 70x35 mm  timber.

 

[adubeau]

I am for banning metrics all together.... then again I am an imperliast pig...  [tongue]

 

[Crox G]

Today I received and installed the rrmccabe imperial stickers for my 1400 router and my TS55.  They fit perfectly and are very precise.  It is a simple matter to offset the TS sticker to account for the 5mm track thickness. Well done, sir! [thumbs up]

This may set back my metrification a couple more years.  [wink]

 

[Samo]

I am for banning metrics all together.... then again I am an imperliast pig...  [tongue]

LOL!!!!

Today I received and installed the rrmccabe imperial stickers for my 1400 router and my TS55.  They fit perfectly and are very precise.  It is a simple matter to offset the TS sticker to account for the 5mm track thickness. Well done, sir! [thumbs up]

This may set back my metrification a couple more years.  [wink]

That reminds me, I need to order those.. [doh]

I agree with all the comments. For me it's impossible to convert because I work with other American Carpenters. If I could just work in my own Shop I would do it.

 

[Stephen B]

I am for banning metrics all together.... then again I am an imperliast pig...  [tongue]

At last some humour on the subject!!

 

[ridgenj]

Without doubt, we need to take it with humor because we have no other chance back in the US. We are haut imperialists and I want to be able to get my 2x4 in a big box store but in reality I am getting 1.5 x .... Whatever, I  need always to measure not matter what.

Cheers
Luis

 

[Stitches]

Seems we may be caught in an all or nothing thinking rut.
If I understand and use Imperial measurements and then learn metric, does that mean I can no longer use Imperial? No.
If I learn to speak German, I don't stop speaking English! I become bi-lingual. In the end I think it makes you more versatile.
I am changing my shop to metric and feel it will be well worth the effort.

 

[semenza]

I have considered switching to metric, it would make measuring more straight forward  and reduce chances for mistakes. My biggest problem is that I tend to plan in my head. I can't visualize size in metric. For example I can picture without thinking  42" wide x 20 1/2" deep etc . , but in metric ummmmmmm...........  [scratch chin] ?  I also need to speak to my customers in imperial.

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BTW, hey Crox , nice tie  [thumbs up]

Seth

 

[rrmccabe]

My biggest problem is that I tend to plan in my head. I can't visualize size in metric. For example I can picture without thinking  42" wide x 20 1/2" deep etc . , but in metric ummmmmmm..

Another good point.

 

[Paul G]

Seems we may be caught in an all or nothing thinking rut.
If I understand and use Imperial measurements and then learn metric, does that mean I can no longer use Imperial? No.
If I learn to speak German, I don't stop speaking English! I become bi-lingual. In the end I think it makes you more versatile.
I am changing my shop to metric and feel it will be well worth the effort.

I'd prefer if the rules list both when possible.

 

[Paul G]

I have considered switching to metric, it would make measuring more straight forward  and reduce chances for mistakes. My biggest problem is that I tend to plan in my head. I can't visualize size in metric. For example I can picture without thinking  42" wide x 20 1/2" deep etc . , but in metric ummmmmmm...........   [scratch chin] ?  I also need to speak to my customers in imperial.

Exactly. I'm sure there is a good business reason Ikea includes inch dimensions for their products in the US.

 

[ArneF]

As a swede I am totally metric and find it extremely frustrating when watching woodworking videos from US where everything is in fractional. For me that is the big difference between metric and SAE. Handling fractional number must be a significant source of errors when doing calculations. For example what is the half of 29 19/32, compared to calculate the half of 752.

When I was a young boy in the sixties the building trade was based on inches, my father used boards that were 2 inches by 4 inches, the nails were 3 inches or 4 inches etc. Today everything is measured in mm, e.g. we have 75 and 100 mm nails.  The boards I use are 45x95 mm which is about 5 mm less than the old 2x4 since it is planed. If you can find a board that is not planed it would be 50x100 mm.

What I am saying is that many of our "standard" sizes has a history based on inches even if we do not know or care. For some reason we buy plywood and particle boards with 12 mm thickness but the drywall sheets are 13 mm. ( 1/2" is actually 12.7 mm)

 

[mouppe]

As a swede I am totally metric and find it extremely frustrating when watching woodworking videos from US where everything is in fractional. For me that is the big difference between metric and SAE. Handling fractional number must be a significant source of errors when doing calculations. For example what is the half of 29 19/32, compared to calculate the half of 752.

Who cares when you can pick up a pair of dividers, draw 2 intersecting arcs and a straight line through them.