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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
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    Melbourne, Australia
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    Question CONVERTING PLAN DIMENSIONS

    I am having difficulty converting Imperial Dimensions into metric.

    I can do the arithmetic conversions, but this does not fully address the problem. In most cases plans created for standard dimensional timber in non-metric countries are not directly translatable as metric dimensional timber differs. How have others handled this?

    Is there a standard listing available of the dimensional cuts of timber in Australia? I would need the actual dimensions, not the nominal size.

    Finally, is there a software program available that will calculate optimum layout of a project so as to minimise waste?


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    Woodchuck Canuck
    Good luck is the residue of good planning!

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2001
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    Parkside - South Australia
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    Talking

    Here is a few links to some computer programs. I dont know if it will help now but you never know.

    <a href= "http://208.240.253.140/uconvert/"> U convert </a>


    <a href= "http://www.sheetlayout.com/"> Sheet Layout </a>

    <a href= "http://www.gwz3.com/html/shelves.html"> Even Shelves </a>

    [This message has been edited by Sir Stinkalot (edited 26 July 2002).]
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  4. #3
    Join Date
    May 1999
    Location
    Grovedale (Geelong) Victoria
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    Question

    buy an imperial measure if you don't already have one.

    The size of timber is the size it is weather or not it is imperial or metric. 10" x 1" never was it was always over or under. Just as 250mm x 25mm never is.

    Why complicate something that isn't complicated to start with.
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  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
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    Perhaps I asked the question in the wrong way. As I stated, I don't have any difficulty with converting imperial to metric - this is, after all, simple arithmetic. I am not looking for a metric converter.

    What I should have asked was, where can I find information on the standard dimensions of cut timber? What I'm after is the actual sizes,of dressed timber in Australia, not their nominal dimensions.

    It's the same kind of problem as converting from American paper sizes to metric. Being able to do the arithmetic calculations gets one nowhere, because the dimensional size of an A4 sheet of paper is different than an American letter-size sheet.

    In the same way, dimensional sizes of timber in metric are cut to a different standard than used in imperial.

    ------------------
    Woodchuck Canuck
    Good luck is the residue of good planning!

  6. #5
    Join Date
    May 1999
    Location
    Grovedale (Geelong) Victoria
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    74
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    Post

    Try asking for your timber in imperial sizes. If you are buying from a timber yard most of them are still quite happy to work in both sizes and pretty well all will sell you either a 10" x 1" or a 250 x 25, etc.

    Some plans call for odd thicknesses of timber like 5/8" or 15/32" and and all sorts of other wierd stuff. Make up your own sizes because you aren't going to get these anywhere.

    Do your conversion if you must then got to the timber yard and measure the timber sizes they have and get as close as possible to the plan size. The rest is up to you. If you have the ware-with-all to size the timber as per the plans yourself, then that is where your project should start. If not then you will have to get the timber yard or a friendly cabinetmaker to do this for you. It will cost you a lot extra and may take up to a week or more to get done.

    Just a final note. Don't follow the plan slavishly. Use a bit of nouse and change sizes to fit what you have or can get. Also measure everything carefully and take note of where the measurements fit on the project, as I have seen a number of plans with at least one or two incorrect measurements on them.
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  7. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
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    1,652

    Lightbulb

    Neil, thanks for your advice. It's pretty much what I've determined is the best solution for my needs. A little careful measuring blended with some creativity and ingenuity and I'll get there.

    Following up on Stinker's suggestion, I did a little searching on the Net and found a great little programme from www.bridgewooddesign.com called CutList.

    It's seems to be what I have been looking for. It works in both Imperial and metric measurements. One simply enters a cut-list [a list of each part in the project] by typing in the actual dimensions required and the programme provides a pick list in nominal and actual dimensions for the timber supplier. Additionally, it provides the woodworker with a layout to maximise wood usage, automatically making allowances for curf wastage, grain direction, etc.

    The key is the database that you enter, a list of the dimensional sizes of the timber available. This brings me back to your recommendation Neil. A visit to the timber supplier to obtain this info is the starting point.

    I've only had this programme for a few days, so it's too early to determine how practical it really is. After I've used it for a few projects, I'll be pleased to give it my evaluation if you are interested.




    ------------------
    Woodchuck Canuck
    Good luck is the residue of good planning!

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