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how to get better with measuring tapes during carpentry ?
& just starting that how would you tell them to go about it their first time around
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Dave’s Answer
Hi Lorenzo!
I would suggest using a tape with as few lines as your tolerances allow. Use a tape measure measured in 16ths. You can count the 16ths all the way up, finding the Lowest Common Denominator as you go. 1/16, 2/16 (LCD 1/8), 3/16, 4/16 (LCD 1/4), 5/16, and so on. As a learning tool, they do make tape measures with fractions printed on the blade you could use until you get familiar with the lines and what the distance measured is.
I would suggest using a tape with as few lines as your tolerances allow. Use a tape measure measured in 16ths. You can count the 16ths all the way up, finding the Lowest Common Denominator as you go. 1/16, 2/16 (LCD 1/8), 3/16, 4/16 (LCD 1/4), 5/16, and so on. As a learning tool, they do make tape measures with fractions printed on the blade you could use until you get familiar with the lines and what the distance measured is.
Anthony Lewis
Lead AST, Welding Inspector, Instructor of welding technologies
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Anthony’s Answer
I'm happy to see questions like this because they help you get ahead in your trade classes. I'm A.J. Lewis, a certified welding inspector and instructor at a local high school. A great way to improve is by measuring random things around your house. You can take a tape measure anywhere and practice.
Before you start, remember that tape measures often have different markings, but most use 16ths of an inch. This means there are 16 lines per inch. Begin by counting these lines and then simplify the fractions. For example, if you measure 2 inches and 5 lines, that's 2 and 5/16 inches. If something measures 7 inches and 10 lines, it's 7 and 10/16 inches, which simplifies to 7 and 5/8 inches. Just divide both the top and bottom numbers by 2. It's basic math, and once you can read a tape measure in 16ths, you're ready to go!
Also, note that the lines on a tape measure vary in length. The smallest is 16ths, followed by 8ths, 4ths, 1/2 inch, and then 1-inch marks. I hope this helps. The best way to learn is by practicing, but make sure you're doing it correctly. Ask your shop or math teacher for practice sheets and guidance. You'll master it quickly! Good luck!
Before you start, remember that tape measures often have different markings, but most use 16ths of an inch. This means there are 16 lines per inch. Begin by counting these lines and then simplify the fractions. For example, if you measure 2 inches and 5 lines, that's 2 and 5/16 inches. If something measures 7 inches and 10 lines, it's 7 and 10/16 inches, which simplifies to 7 and 5/8 inches. Just divide both the top and bottom numbers by 2. It's basic math, and once you can read a tape measure in 16ths, you're ready to go!
Also, note that the lines on a tape measure vary in length. The smallest is 16ths, followed by 8ths, 4ths, 1/2 inch, and then 1-inch marks. I hope this helps. The best way to learn is by practicing, but make sure you're doing it correctly. Ask your shop or math teacher for practice sheets and guidance. You'll master it quickly! Good luck!
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Oleg’s Answer
Still don't know why we don't use metric, well I do but that's another story.
Practice adding fractions
It's all based on 1/16th system.
So half of an inch is 8/16"
Inch is 16/16"
Everything in between is 4/16" (1/4)
Or as mentioned above get tape measure with all markings.
Practice adding fractions
It's all based on 1/16th system.
So half of an inch is 8/16"
Inch is 16/16"
Everything in between is 4/16" (1/4)
Or as mentioned above get tape measure with all markings.