Metre rule – metal

[DerryUKParticipant @derryuk]

I want to buy a metre rule in mllimetres only. I have found this … **LINK**

Anyone know of any other?

Derry.

[DerryUKParticipant @derryuk]

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

Just try that well known auction site and feed in the term 'Metre rule metric'.

The second one is Stainless, the fourth is aluminium.

Other sites and other rules are available.

As my mate used to say, 'I've got a foot but I don't use it as a rule'.

Cheers, Tim

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

That link is a bit ambiguous, it shows metric in the pictures and says metric and imperial in the description ???

[Bob Brown 1Participant @bobbrown1]

There's this one **LINK** or here **LINK**

Bob

[SpurryParticipant @spurry]

I'm not sure if it is just me, but I have great difficulty in reading off a rule marked with half millimetres, whereas I can accurately estimate a half between those graduated with whole mm's. I've tried for years to buy another spare 300mm and a 150mm M&W marked in whole mm's…so far, in vain.

Pete

[Dinosaur EngineerParticipant @dinosaurengineer]

I too have the same problem as Pete (SPURY) reading rules with 1/2 mm markings. I find the same thing with 100ths & 1/64 ths. The length of the line engraving does have a bearing on this . The shorter length markings seem to be easier to read. Surely rule manufactures are aware of this problem ??

[Frances IoMParticipant @francesiom58905]

just bought a metal (tho thin) metric 300mm rule for ?3.99 from W H Smiths – whole mm on one scale 0.5mm on lower scale (double sided metric on both – scale engraved rather than printed) – ruler made in France!

Edited By Frances IoM on 18/12/2015 19:18:13

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

Glad I'm not the only one.

1/2mm markings have been the bane of my life even when I could see, in fact I reckon it's the 1/2mm that have made me go blind [ pass me white stick ]

My ideal rule is one with full mm on the top and full mm on the bottom because sometimes you use the top scale and other times the bottom. I can easily judge a 1/2 mm if I need to [ one end of the white stick has been specially sharpened ].

I very rarely use an imperial rule but again they are a miss match of anything from 1/100th's, 50th's 1/64, 1/10 to furlongs perches and poles.

Try buying a rule marked ALL in 1/10's with a sub division for 50 thou. You can get them, or could. Deb's showed me one she brought back from the States but don't think they are common in this country.

Answer ?

I make my own and put on it what I want.

[SpurryParticipant @spurry]

That's very interesting to know that I am not alone.

What is most perplexing is that Moore & Wright used to make these very sought after rules, but they are apparently no longer available.

I suppose I should feel fortunate to own the 150 and the 300 versions, but only have one of each but would like at least three..(so that the ones that grow little legs do not keep hiding away).

Pete

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

I like the layout of that rule.

Mind if I pinch it ?

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by John Stevenson on 18/12/2015 22:09:47:

I like the layout of that rule.

.

I seem to recall that it won a 'Design Centre' award, back in the day.

MichaelG.

[SpurryParticipant @spurry]

Sir John

No, you can't pinch it, it's mine, it's mine. Sorry could not resist.

By all means copy the layout. Is the picture suitable, or do you want a better one?

Pete

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

Yes think it's good enough, after all it has to follow a scale and not a picture.

First attempt.

Room for improvement.

I can get it a bit clearer playing with the settings on the laser.

Known faults because it darts about doing a bit here and a bit there and it was only retained in a cardbaord cut out pocket it bowed with the heat and when it went back to do some bits on the bottom it cocked up on 81 and 101 positions.

Easily cured by making a fixed clamp jig out of alloy to get rid of some of the heat.

First mark lower isn't a full mm because someone who wishes to remain anonymous didn't crop the bit of stainless square

Needs to have Bodgers Lodge Emporium TM in larger letters

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

IIRC from reading New Scientist many years ago that method of marking was developed by NPL based on human factors research. Somewhere I've got a plastic ruler like that but it would be great if engineering rules were available. I also think the half mm scales are useless.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Handy link to a somewhat similar thread, five years ago.

**LINK**

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

The other day at the club committee xmas dinner the Sec got a nice little 3 in long ruler in his cracker. Kindly gave it to me. Will hopefully remember to put it in top pocket when going to the next show for measuring the odd collet etc. Used to have a nice little freebie ruler with white filled engraving on bright red plastic. Very readable. I'd like to make a set of handwheel dials with black lines on white background like the Hardinge ones.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

My most used rule:

I also have a wonderful super flexible 12" rule with mm and inch.

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

The Americans though just HAVE to be different.

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

I wonder if that is the real reason for them missing Mars (or wherever it was)?

Tim

[NJHParticipant @njh]

 

 

Oh Neil – that brings back memories!

Many years ago, back when Adam was a lad, I had the good fortune to attend one of the "new idea " technical schools. One of the lessons was "Engineering" with practical sessions in a very well equipped workshop. One day there was a tinplate project and I was using a large treadle operated guillotine. Having lined up the metal carefully I stood on the operating pedal and, as the blade descended, I saw the 12 in steel rule also under the blade – hey presto two nearly 6" rules. I confessed to the master and was told sternly to come back and see him after school. He was a north countryman with, I suspect, considerable experience in industry. I was not looking forward to my interview. I decided that a fulsome apology was the best course and accept gracefully any punishment. He looked at me and said – ay lad – it was a good thing it wasn't your willy then!

I've never used a guillotine since without thinking of him!

Norman

 

 

 

Edited By NJH on 19/12/2015 15:45:41

[AjohnwParticipant @ajohnw51620]

I buy my rules via ebay.com. Part of the reason is that I use imperial ones but I suspect much better metric ones will be available from the USA as well. Cromwell might carry some in the UK.

To get round Neil's short one I have rigid one with graduations across the ends as well. Also 2 styles of narrow flexible ones.

I usually buy Starrett. Satin chrome if I can. There are usually plenty of types on the site so easy to find.

John

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[Tractor manParticipant @tractorman]

I managed to find a couple of vertical scale rulers which are designed for use in a rule holder on a surface plate. Saves having to tilt your head on one side to read the measurement when setting a surface gauge.
Mick

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