On 14-Oct-08 21:17, Darren New wrote:
> andrel wrote:
>> My best estimate is that by cutting a meter in thirds would give three 
>> pieces of about 33.2 cm. I might be missing the point, however.
> 
> That 100 cm doesn't divide evenly by threes? And if you made something 
> in multiple of 40 cm, and you had 100cm boards, you'd be wasting large 
> amounts of wood?

Whereas if you made something in multiples of 32 you'd be wasting a lot 
when using 120cm. So your point is that as soon as men defines a measure 
only small integers and powers of 10 times that unit are allowed?

> Just saying what I read in an interview with carpenters in places they 
> use metric: They still use metric, but they don't buy wood in multiples 
> of meters, because you can't chop it into anything but halves and fifths.

IIRC we used to have doors of 2.05m, I think that is now upgraded to 
2.15 or so to accommodate the ever growing Dutchman. I don't think that 
supports your point. Anyway a good carpenter seldom measures what he is 
making. If it has to fit somewhere you transfer that measure directly 
without interference of converting it into numbers. Or where that the 
carpenters of last generation?

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