Metric Conversion

[davidkem]

OK Guys, has anybody done a metric conversion of the 8Ft bar plans, as I’m totally confused with the line that American 4×2, ain’t actually 4×2 ??? ???

Normell

[Anonymous]

Metric? What’s THAT!?
(just kidding)

Yes, here in the states, we still use the english system of measurement, and the English use the metric system, go figure.

Here’s a website that will help you do the conversion:
http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm

Just go over the cut list and pencil in the metric equiv.

Yeah, the US is really screwy with the measurements, I guess Uncle Sam must be taking the 1/2 inch from each 2×4 as a “wood tax”.

The same hold true for most lumber.
Here’s the skinny on why it is so skinny…

Nominal Size – is the size of a piece of lumber before it is dressed and seasoned. It is used to designate a particular size piece of lumber, such as 2×4, 2×6, etc.

Actual Size – refers to minimum acceptable size after it has been dressed and seasoned. A nominal 2*4 can have a minimum actual size of 1.5″ x 3.5″. When referring to a specific piece of lumber, the nominal size is used.

Size Chart
Framing Lumber

---

Nominal Size Actual Size
2 x 2 1 1/2 x 1 1/2
2 x 3 1 1/2 x 2 1/2
2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2
2 x 6 1 1/2 x 5 1/2
2 x 8 1 1/2 x 7 1/4
2 x 10 1 1/2 x 9 1/4
2 x 12 1 1/2 x 11 1/4
4 x 4 3 1/2 x 3 1/2
4 x 6 3 1/2 x 5 1/2
4 x 10 3 1/2 x 9 1/4
6 x 6 5 1/2 x 5 1/2

Boards

---

Nominal Size Actual Size
1 x 2 3/4 x 1 1/2
1 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2
1 x 4 3/4 x 3 1/2
1 x 5 3/4 x 4 1/2
1 x 6 3/4 x 5 1/2
1 x 8 3/4 x 7 1/4
1 x 10 3/4 x 9 1/4
1 x 12 3/4 x 11 1/4

BTW, I am working on a php script to allow you to simply enter length of the bar sections, then it will spit out either a metric or english cut list. This may take a bit of time though, so in the mean time, get out the calculator.

[davidkem]

Thanks Admin, we used to use imperial measurement to, but then a piece of 4 x 2 was actually 4″ wide and 2″ deep. Thank god your length’s are the same:)

Normell

[brimichm]

The only time I’ve ever seen a 2 x 4 that was actually that size was if you tore down a wall from a “OLD” home. That piece of lumber stuck out like a sore thumb and was usually made of hard wood !! Stock that size is a collector’s item !!! Ha ,Ha. :laugh:

[Anonymous]

And 2×4 boards aren’t the proper length as advertised if they are used for framing either…..they are shorter to allow for end framing…..weird.

[Anonymous]

BTW, just to clarify:
In the plans documents, I use the finish size measurements NOT the call out or named size. So a 2×4 is actually 1.5″ x 3.5″ in the plans.

Also, if you need a final printout of the cut & material list in metric, try using the CHBD. The one problem right now is that you can only edit using English units. So, the only way is to load the plan in English, edit it to size, then save the project, then reload it in the Print Manager, whcih will give you all metric measurements.

I’ll work on adding metric editing for version 3.1

Also: I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has tried the metric output. I have not actually tried building a bar using metric units and I’d be interested in the accuracy. I am converting the English to Metric using the standard conversion formula.

[robert_g6]

Hi,
Merry Christmas to you all

I have just joined up as a member from Australia and would be very interested to know if anything has progressed with Metric Conversion in both the plans and CHBD? Also would be interested to know if anyone has used metric dimensions to build a bar and if they had a successful outcome

Looking forward to hearing from you

Best Regards,
Jope

[mckdelbu]

metric units are available in the CHBD. Please see the CHBD user guide for more info.
Not sure if anyone has tried to build off those numbers…it’s just a straight mathematical conversion from the English units.
If you need to convert single pieces, just use the converter on the right side bar of the https://www.barplan.com/bpmembers site.

[Author]

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