On Fri, 29 Dec 2017 03:48:54 +0100, Emanuel Berg
wrote:

krw wrote:

When buying hardwoods, one measures. ;-)

Really?

So what should you bring to the
sawmill/hardware store as not to expose
yourself as a rank amateur?

Hardware stores rarely sell hardwoods. Some lumber yards/home centers
sell a little but it's *hugely* overpriced, often shrink-wrapped (if
that tells you anything). Woodworking stores sell hardwoods but, yes,
you bring a tape measure. Usually they have the number of board-feet
marked on the boards to get an idea of pricing. For better deals, one
goes to a specialty lumber yard. Yes, it's a good idea to know what
you're doing.

A measuring tape box and a folding rule with
inches as well as centimeters?

Tape measure, absolutely. What would you do with centimeters? ;-)

BTW, sometimes the boards aren't even rectangular. Yes, it can get to
be a mess. One must choose well.