Decimal Inch versus Decimal Foot

[Paul Jones]

Marv,

The Imperial measurement system can be pretty strange at times and thanks for mentioning the surveyor's chain.

and

PJs,

I think I will stay with conventional fractions for my wood working measurements because the cabinetmaking blueprints I have seen use this convention. Some of the blueprints are very old.

Good comment about the 16R scales. Almost all of my 6" to 24" machinist steel rules are marked with 16R scales because I like designing and working in decimal inches but can accommodate blueprints specified with fractions. I also have a few rules with 1/10 and 1/50 decimal inches on one side and 0.5 mm and 1 mm scales for use when reading articles, tool catalogs and blueprints specified in millimeters.

I would be interested in what types of steel rules (rulers) are preferred and why. I do like satin chrome finishes on the rules but this adds to the cost. I don't like seeing the steel rules used to sweep chips out of the way but I will save that for another time.

Sorry Rick, I didn't mean to hijack your thread but you started with an interesting discussion.

Regards, Paul