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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he
used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? Thanks - Nick B |
#2
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
In rec.woodworking
"Nick Bozovich" wrote: I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? A tape measure but always consider it a "rough" measurement unless I can hold off an inch on the end. |
#3
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
Nick Bozovich wrote:
worthless tape measure I have in my shop that I try to avoid using. Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". Hey Nick, that looseness might be to allow the tape to measure both inside and outside spans. See if the distance the tape moves on the end is the same as the thickness of the end. Good luck. Tom Someday, it'll all be over.... |
#4
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
"Nick Bozovich" wrote in message
Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". That is a "feature" that is actually by design on most tape measures so that you can take accurate inside measurements.The amount of slop should be equal to the thickness of the hook ... generally about 1/6th or so. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? The "accuracy" of a particular tape measure is completely irrelevant as long as you ALWAYS use the same one. AAMOF, tape measures aren't even necessary in woodworking. Many furniture and cabinet makers go with a stick with the project measurements marked off linearly. It's called a "story stick" and is much more accurate than using a tape measure. Save the story stick and you can build another project with the _exact_ same dimensions as the original 50 years later ... you can't do that with a tape measure unless you use the same one. The moral, because tape measures to come in handy, is to buy a well made one that will last a long time and use it exclusively ... again, the "accuracy" of the tool is irrelevant. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 1/02/04 |
#5
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 02:12:10 GMT, "Nick Bozovich"
wrote: I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? Thanks - Nick B From what I understand the end should slide the thickness of the tab thingie. This allows you to make inside and outside measurements without needing to compensate for the end of the tape's tab thickness. -- John, in Minnesota |
#6
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
Smells fishy!
"Nick Bozovich" wrote in message ... I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? Thanks - Nick B |
#8
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
"Swingman" wrote in message ... "Nick Bozovich" wrote in message Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". That is a "feature" that is actually by design on most tape measures so that you can take accurate inside measurements.The amount of slop should be equal to the thickness of the hook ... generally about 1/6th or so. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? The "accuracy" of a particular tape measure is completely irrelevant as long as you ALWAYS use the same one. AAMOF, tape measures aren't even necessary in woodworking. Many furniture and cabinet makers go with a stick with the project measurements marked off linearly. It's called a "story stick" and is much more accurate than using a tape measure. Save the story stick and you can build another project with the _exact_ same dimensions as the original 50 years later ... you can't do that with a tape measure unless you use the same one. The moral, because tape measures to come in handy, is to buy a well made one that will last a long time and use it exclusively ... again, the "accuracy" of the tool is irrelevant. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 1/02/04 Are you kidding me? I'm not sure where my tape measure is 50% of the time and I'm going to keep track of a stick for 50 years? ;-) todd |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
Primarily a tape measure
-- Mike G. Heirloom Woods www.heirloom-woods.net "Nick Bozovich" wrote in message ... I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? Thanks - Nick B |
#10
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
"Nick Bozovich" wrote in message that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. You'd think the guys that make them would have figured out how to do it right my now. You and I know better. Flatten out that bent end first. Then beat the rivet with a hammer a few times until the loose end doesn't move. Just curious, what kind of fishing line do you use? Ed |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
snip
AAMOF, tape measures aren't even necessary in woodworking. Many furniture and cabinet makers go with a stick with the project measurements marked off linearly. It's called a "story stick" and is much more accurate than using a tape measure. Save the story stick and you can build another project with the _exact_ same dimensions as the original 50 years later ... you can't do that with a tape measure unless you use the same one. Are you kidding me? I'm not sure where my tape measure is 50% of the time and I'm going to keep track of a stick for 50 years? ;-) todd That was a laugh out loud one! I'm sure there are european trained furniture makers who can and do keep story sticks for 50 years. Me, I'm with Todd. If they'd just put a "page" function like on portable phones, on pocket tapes ... Actual "measured" lengths aren't that important (unless you're doing built ins. Its far more important that all parts that are supposed to be the same length are in fact the same length. If I need parts to fit between A and B I put two sticks - with sqaure ends, in the space, slide them to fit the desired distance and clamp them together. On the SCMA I use the sticks to set the stop and cut all those parts at the same time. As long as the parts fit properly I don't care what the tape measured length is. charlie b |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
That's exactly the reason I have three 30' in the shop, there is always one
laying around somewhere. Dave "charlie b" wrote in message ... snip AAMOF, tape measures aren't even necessary in woodworking. Many furniture and cabinet makers go with a stick with the project measurements marked off linearly. It's called a "story stick" and is much more accurate than using a tape measure. Save the story stick and you can build another project with the _exact_ same dimensions as the original 50 years later ... you can't do that with a tape measure unless you use the same one. Are you kidding me? I'm not sure where my tape measure is 50% of the time and I'm going to keep track of a stick for 50 years? ;-) todd That was a laugh out loud one! I'm sure there are european trained furniture makers who can and do keep story sticks for 50 years. Me, I'm with Todd. If they'd just put a "page" function like on portable phones, on pocket tapes ... Actual "measured" lengths aren't that important (unless you're doing built ins. Its far more important that all parts that are supposed to be the same length are in fact the same length. If I need parts to fit between A and B I put two sticks - with sqaure ends, in the space, slide them to fit the desired distance and clamp them together. On the SCMA I use the sticks to set the stop and cut all those parts at the same time. As long as the parts fit properly I don't care what the tape measured length is. charlie b |
#13
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
"todd" wrote in message
Are you kidding me? I'm not sure where my tape measure is 50% of the time and I'm going to keep track of a stick for 50 years? ;-) LOL ... know the feeling well. However, you may be around in 50 years ... that's something I don't have to worry about. ;) -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 1/02/04 |
#14
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
Swingman writes:
"todd" wrote in message Are you kidding me? I'm not sure where my tape measure is 50% of the time and I'm going to keep track of a stick for 50 years? ;-) LOL ... know the feeling well. However, you may be around in 50 years ... that's something I don't have to worry about. ; Me, either, but a guy I know who owns a cabinet shop may be setting his up the same way the previous owner, his father did: he has an entire wall devoted to hanging story sticks, each with name and date neatly written on them. One job per nail, mostly, except for really small jobs. I'd guess that JR has about 45 years of such sticks now, since he's been running the business about 20 years after his father retired. He'll hit the 50 year mark soon. Charlie Self "I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house." Zsa Zsa Gabor http://hometown.aol.com/charliediy/m.../business.html |
#15
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
In article ,
"todd" wrote: Are you kidding me? I'm not sure where my tape measure is 50% of the time and I'm going to keep track of a stick for 50 years? ;-) I always know where my tape measure is. It's right where I put it down the last time. Of course, sometimes I have trouble remembering where I put it down the last time :-) "Wherever you go, there you are" |
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On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 08:41:57 -0500, Roy Smith wrote:
I always know where my tape measure is. It's right where I put it down the last time. I wear a shop apron. This allows me to know where my tape, saddle square, and 6" combo are 99% of the time. I use the same 18' center finding tape for all my woodworking. Of course, my wife recently figured out that the tape is in the apron, so all bets are off. G Barry |
#17
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
In article ,
charlie b wrote: Actual "measured" lengths aren't that important (unless you're doing built ins. Its far more important that all parts that are supposed to be the same length are in fact the same length. This is true, unless you have to send your measurements to someone else. I found that out the hard way once when I ordered a glass table top based on a tape measure measurement. Unfortunately, my tape and their measurement device did not agree. (I suspect theirs was probably the accurate one.) I checked by tapes and rulers. The straight-edge rulers were very accurate. However the tapes were all over the place. After all, they're made for construction work, usually for fairly long lengths, and a tolerance of plus or minus 1/16 is acceptable (except for finish work). My newest tape, a Stanley "MaxSteel Contractor Grade", 3m/10ft, is off 3/32 in the first 24 inches, resulting in a short cut. My Craftsman 16ft tape is off 1/32 in the first 24, but cuts long, so if the error causes a problem, I can trim the piece to the correct length. My next purchase will be a steel hook-end ruler from Lee Valley. -- Regards, Benoit Evans |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message You'd think the guys that make them would have figured out how to do it right my now. You and I know better. Flatten out that bent end first. Then beat the rivet with a hammer a few times until the loose end doesn't move. Just curious, what kind of fishing line do you use? Ed You think he is trolling here... ;~) |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
"K.-Benoit Evans" wrote in message
charlie b wrote: Actual "measured" lengths aren't that important (unless you're doing built ins. Its far more important that all parts that are supposed to be the same length are in fact the same length. This is true, unless you have to send your measurements to someone else. I found that out the hard way once when I ordered a glass table top based on a tape measure measurement. Unfortunately, my tape and their measurement device did not agree. (I suspect theirs was probably the accurate one.) Done that. Now when ordering glass, particulary if it is to be inset into a frame of some type, I either have the glass cut first and build to it, send a template, or take the piece to the glass shop and let them measure it. Most glass cutters cut to +/- 1/16" tolerance, which, as you noted, can be problematic when measuring with two different measuring devices.. I checked by tapes and rulers. The straight-edge rulers were very accurate. However the tapes were all over the place. After all, they're made for construction work, usually for fairly long lengths, and a tolerance of plus or minus 1/16 is acceptable (except for finish work). Tolerances used to be that way down here, but with the advent of "carpenters" named after Mary's son, and who hail from places with no wood whatsoever, the framers seem to think 1/2" is close enough, and the finish guys 1/4". These days, it's the painters, with their caulk guns, who make things fit. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 1/02/04 |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
As you've already heard, the loose hook on the tape measure is "a
feature not a bug." The big thing in accuracy is to use the same tool for measurement or make sure all your tools measure the same. If you have a yardstick, tape measure, framing square, etc. laying around compare the marking of each. You're probably (I'd say almost positively) going to find differences among them. I just read some test where a guy bought several tape measures (some were the make and model) and compared the sizes and found them all to have slight differences in accuracy. Try to use just one measuring tool for one project or compare them and realize that an inch isn't always an inch. I use a variety of measuring tools depending on what I'm measuring. I usually use a tape measure for larger measurements and a Union 12" and Craftsman 6" square (they both measure the same). I also use a small cheap brass sliding caliper, a slightly less cheap plastic dial caliper, and a digital caliper (less than $20 from Harbor Freight and works great). I have a dial indicator and a set of micrometers along with inside and outside calipers, not to mention 6" and 36" metal rulers. I also have protractors, both fixed and adjustable; framing squares, circle gauges and screw templates. And sometimes I just mark a piece of cardboard. Do I need them all? Naw, but they're cool to play with :-P On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 02:12:10 GMT, "Nick Bozovich" wrote: I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? Thanks - Nick B |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 02:12:10 +0000, Nick Bozovich wrote:
I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? Thanks - Nick B Tapes are cheap. When one begins to wear, get another. Another solution is to clip off the lose tab. Use the tape as is or add/subtract the difference each time you use it. The measuring device or scale you use really doesn't matter as much as consistency in using it. Units of measure are no more than a convenience. They do not change distance but merely try to define it. |
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Roy Smith wrote:
the last time. Of course, sometimes I have trouble remembering where I put it down the last time :-) "Wherever you go, there you are" and the key to finding something is to remember that no matter what or where it is, it's always in the last place you look. -- Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621 http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/ |
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In article ,
Jim K wrote: I have a dial indicator and a set of micrometers along with inside and outside calipers A while ago, I bought a 6" dial caliper that's marked in fractions of an inch on the dial (each 1/8" is marked on the dial, with, IIRC, tick marks at 1/64" increments between). Lately I've become very fond of using it for measuring. Not so much because I care about 1/64th accuracy, but just because it's so much easier for my middle-aged eyes to read than anything else I have. I just wish somebody would make a left-handed version of it. |
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"Nick Bozovich" wrote in message ... | | What does everyone else use? For an inch or less, vernier calipers. For 1-24 inches, a steel rule. For 24 inches or more, a Stanley tape measure. I own several tapes, but I tend to use the same one for any particular project. And I tend to intentionally err on the side of leaving material so that I can deal with long cuts instead of short cuts. When I can, I "cut to fit," meaning I build the project on the bench and just concentrate on making it square/flush without paying a lot of attention to exact measures according to the tape. I'd much rather scribe the actual piece in place than to measure where it's supposed to go and then measure the stock. That's two measurements that both have to go right. But at work I have to deal with metal and plastic, and we farm out parts of the designs to fab shops and do the rest of the fabrication in house. You need to work off actual measurements in that case. If I specify in a drawing a feature with a thickness of 0.500 inch and it comes back from the fab subcontractor as 0.501 or 0.498 inch, there'll be a phone call. And so I have to make sure we both have tools that will tell the actual dimension so I don't embarrass myself in that phone call. He and I have to be on the same page. At home, in the shop, is where I get to cut to fit. The organ-builders I know use story sticks for their standard windchests. --Jay |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
Jim K wrote: If you have a yardstick, tape measure, framing square, etc. laying around compare the marking of each. You're probably (I'd say almost positively) going to find differences among them. I just read some test where a guy bought several tape measures (some were the make and model) and compared the sizes and found them all to have slight differences in accuracy. Yes, but the better tapes are more consistent. Tape measures? 1) The end on most (all?) are slightly bent back to the blade to aid in hooking on the material being measured. 2) Letting the tape slap back into the case tends to straighten this bend back and / or break the tape and / or put undue wear on the rivets. 3) Better tapes have an extended tang for the hook and 3 (or more?) rivets. I check my tape(s) against a steel rule. If you do this don't forget about the bend back on the hook. I've found tapes have gotten much more accurate, at least between the numbers. Most need tweaking of the hook. What do I use? Mostly a tape (Latest is a Fat Max, didn't like it at first but has come to fit my hand), 12 and 24 inch steel rule. The rules are Blue Point and Lufkin, not the scrap found at BORG. Try to use just one measuring tool for one project or compare them and realize that an inch isn't always an inch. I've heard this since I was a child, use the same tool from beginning to end. Doesn't matter much with quality steel rules and better (machine tooling), makes all the difference in wood tools. -- Mark N.E. Ohio Never argue with a fool, a bystander can't tell you apart. (S. Clemens, A.K.A. Mark Twain) When in doubt hit the throttle. It may not help but it sure ends the suspense. (Gaz, r.moto) |
#27
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
Greetings and Salutations.
On Sun, 4 Jan 2004 09:32:19 -0600, "Swingman" wrote: *snip* Tolerances used to be that way down here, but with the advent of "carpenters" named after Mary's son, and who hail from places with no wood whatsoever, the framers seem to think 1/2" is close enough, and the finish guys 1/4". These days, it's the painters, with their caulk guns, who make things fit. Hum...it is my understanding that this is hardly a new thing. Back when "drywall" was actually "Plaster put on by skilled workers" the attitude of the carpenters was "get it pretty close and the plasterers will fix it". regards Dave Mundt |
#28
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"Dave Mundt" wrote in message
These days, it's the painters, with their caulk guns, who make things fit. Hum...it is my understanding that this is hardly a new thing. Back when "drywall" was actually "Plaster put on by skilled workers" the attitude of the carpenters was "get it pretty close and the plasterers will fix it". regards Dave Mundt Not around here, at least until the last 25 or so years ... with the proliferation of unskilled labor, poor wages, and lack of supervision, workmanship is suffering badly in the building industry in these parts. The traditional framing carpenter's job was to make the house plumb, level and square ... hard to do that when 1/2" is now "close enough". The traditional finish carpenter's job was to make the parts, windows, doors, trim, etc., fit and "look good". IOW boards meet where they're supposed to and planned gaps consistent from end to end ... hard to do when 1/4" is now "close enough". .... enter the modern painter and his caulking gun, absolutely necessary to make the work of today's 'finishing carpenter' "look good". I know this to be a fact because I just finished building a "custom" home with a highly touted, supposedly top notch crew, and had to continually fight shoddy work, with the practice of the above tolerances in daily application (when they could get away with it) ... work that you wouldn't have seen in a tract home 30 years ago. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 1/02/04 |
#29
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Sun, Jan 4, 2004, 3:54pm (EST+5) (Jim=A0K)
says: snip And sometimes I just mark a piece of cardboard. snip I've got a stack of cardboard in my shop, and that's one of the primary uses. LMAO JOAT Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. - Sir Winston Churchill Life just ain't life without good music. - JOAT Web Page Update 4 Jan 2004. Some tunes I like. http://community-2.webtv.net/Jakofal...OMETUNESILIKE/ |
#30
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
"Nick Bozovich" wrote ... I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? The slop in the end of the tape is there by design - it is equal to the thickness of the piece of metal that is used as the hook on the end. Of course that only lasts until the first few times you unlock the tape while a few feet are rolled out and let it snap back throwing the end out of whack (especially by the standards of some of those around here with really high expectations for accuracy - another story). I prefer a steel rule. It may be out of whack but I use only one measuring device so everything will be out by the same amount. While the tape measure is designed to be more accurate for house framing, you can use it too, as long as you use only the one tape measure, the same way, for everything. -- Cheers, Howard ---------------------------------------------------------- Working wood in New Jersey - Visit me in the woodshop - www.inthewoodshop.org |
#31
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Silvan wrote: Roy Smith wrote: the last time. Of course, sometimes I have trouble remembering where I put it down the last time :-) "Wherever you go, there you are" and the key to finding something is to remember that no matter what or where it is, it's always in the last place you look. -- Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621 http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/ Not true. Not true. Hear that all the time, but it is not true. I often give up and send my wife to look and it is often where I first looked, and seldom where I last looked. Let's get rid of this supposed logical statement, because it just isn't true. |
#32
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"Roy Smith" wrote in message ... In article , Jim K wrote: I just wish somebody would make a left-handed version of it. They do. You just have to hold it with your right hand. |
#33
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In article ,
Larry Blanchard wrote: In article , says... "Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message Just curious, what kind of fishing line do you use? Ed You think he is trolling here... ;~) Naah - couldn't be :-). ___________________ /| /| | | ||__|| | Please do | / O O\__ NOT | / \ feed the | / \ \ trolls | / _ \ \ ______________| / |\____\ \ || / | | | |\____/ || / \|_|_|/ \ __|| / / \ |____| || / | | /| | --| | | |// |____ --| * _ | |_|_|_| | \-/ *-- _--\ _ \ // | / _ \\ _ // | / * / \_ /- | - | | * ___ c_c_c_C/ \C_c_c_c____________ ITYM ___________________ /| /| | | ||__|| | Please do | / O O\__ NOT | / \ troll the | / \ \ feeders | / _ \ \ ______________| / |\____\ \ || / | | | |\____/ || / \|_|_|/ \ __|| / / \ |____| || / | | /| | --| | | |// |____ --| * _ | |_|_|_| | \-/ *-- _--\ _ \ // | / _ \\ _ // | / * / \_ /- | - | | * ___ c_c_c_C/ \C_c_c_c____________ snicker |
#34
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
In article ,
Nick Bozovich wrote: I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? Thanks - Nick B I use a tape measure for anything over 3 feet or so. It has a loose edge so that it measures the same when you hook the end over something, as when you are pushing the end against something. Try your tape measure hooked over the end of a ruler, then put the ruler end down on the bench, with the tape measure end next to it on the bench. If the tape measure is not worn or damaged it will read the same. -- Larry Wasserman Baltimore, Maryland |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
I use the same tape (12' Stanley) for most everything. It's
hooked onto my britches every day of the world. Most of my right-hand pockets show wear from constantly wearing the damn thing. It's been calibrated at the hook using a six-inch machinist's rule. I never let the hook slam home, brake with the fingers and cushion the hook with finger. I also occaisionally use a metric/inch 16' Stanley I've calibrated the same way. I'm shocked at the number of the posters who don't understand the function of the sliding hook--I thought everybody knew. Another real handy one is a 60" x 2" steel rule. I have 2 of them, they're real handy for marking sheet stuff. Because I'm a gun crank, I have from 4" dial calipers to 12" digital. Roger--peanut gallery, Montana "Howard Ruttan" wrote in message ... "Nick Bozovich" wrote ... I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? The slop in the end of the tape is there by design - it is equal to the thickness of the piece of metal that is used as the hook on the end. Of course that only lasts until the first few times you unlock the tape while a few feet are rolled out and let it snap back throwing the end out of whack (especially by the standards of some of those around here with really high expectations for accuracy - another story). I prefer a steel rule. It may be out of whack but I use only one measuring device so everything will be out by the same amount. While the tape measure is designed to be more accurate for house framing, you can use it too, as long as you use only the one tape measure, the same way, for everything. |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
"roger" spake thusly:
I use the same tape (12' Stanley) for most everything. It's hooked onto my britches every day of the world. Most of my right-hand pockets show wear from constantly wearing the damn thing. It's been calibrated at the hook using a six-inch machinist's rule. I never let the hook slam home, brake with the fingers and cushion the hook with finger. My favorite band tape and length also. Have two for the shop, one for the vehicle I use to go to the lumber yard, and one for the office ... all the same model 12' Stanley, and all 'calibrated' to a foot when I bought them. (I used a steel rule in the store to get four that read as close as possible against the rule ... I really didn't care if the steel rule was accurate or not, just used it as an index) snip I'm shocked at the number of the posters who don't understand the function of the sliding hook--I thought everybody knew. It's amazing how little understanding some folks have of the tools they use. Someone here not too long ago had been using a miter saw blade backwards, and another had been _pulling_ his compound miter saw like a RAS to make a cut. The hell of it is, I have so many tools that I may well be doing something equally wrongheaded out of ignorance myself. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 1/02/04 |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
I just try to keep everything the same length. I don't know how
many tape measures I have, but I lose em all the time. I just try to use the same one for the same project. As far accuracy goes, I don't think it matters. Even if I could get a NIST (National Institute for Standards and Technology - formerly NBS-) calibrated/certified tape measure it wouldn't do me much good, because then my table saw fence would just decide to act up on me at that moment and time and screw the whole thing up fractions of an inch. It's a no win situation unless you can afford one of those industrial computerized thingmeees that remotely adjust everything , set it up, and cut the wood for ya. And just where would the fun in that be? Joey in Chesapeake "Lawrence Wasserman" wrote in message ... In article , Nick Bozovich wrote: I was watching Norm today - he was measuring up a piece of lumber, and he used a tape measure. I couldn't tell what brand, but it made me think about the worthless tape measure I have in my shop - that I try to avoid using. Why? Because the end of it is loose, and if you don't push the tape back toward it, the measurement can be off by nearly 1/8". I was in Lowes today, and checked out their tape measures - even on the more expensive ones the end of it was loose! One was even worse than the one I have. I've mostly used a folding carpenter's rule with a metal insert for 1" - 6", because the tape measure isn't reliable. What does everyone else use? Thanks - Nick B I use a tape measure for anything over 3 feet or so. It has a loose edge so that it measures the same when you hook the end over something, as when you are pushing the end against something. Try your tape measure hooked over the end of a ruler, then put the ruler end down on the bench, with the tape measure end next to it on the bench. If the tape measure is not worn or damaged it will read the same. -- Larry Wasserman Baltimore, Maryland |
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Measuring Devices / Tape Measures
No machine can think. You still have to set it up.
"Joseph Smith" wrote in message news:gjoKb.284792$Ec1.9814167@bgtnsc05- It's a no win situation unless you can afford one of those industrial computerized thingmeees that remotely adjust everything , set it up, and cut the wood for ya. And just where would the fun in that be? |
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