Well, internally we've already switched to metric. Food manufacturing, science, medicine, they all use metric. The switch to metric push is a sordid story and makes me sad when I think about it really. Maybe before I die we'll finally join the rest of the modern world.
Hey Lee, Out of necessity, I have learned to use "Imperial" and "Metric" interchangeably. However, when I mentally visualize something, it is always easier to use the units (American) that I learned and used as a child. So, sad to say, I don't think you will see a metric world in your lifetime. I think it will take at least 2-3 complete generation turnovers to get us there. And yes we are one of the last three holdouts, and by a quantum margin, the largest of the three. Folks like Mark are the ones who will help the most with the changeover. Just start using metric and it will happen. Hmmm.... A metric baseball diamond? Don't know. Or the 45.7 meter line???? Have a good day, --oldfox-- "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is."
Hey guys, heads ups to let you know that a new 6mm Metric Eccentric option is in stock and available on the Part Store! Now we can fully upgrade any existing builds we would like with all Metric Spacers and Eccentrics. All other measurements are identical to the existing 1/4" eccentric with the exception of two factors: The can length is now at 6mm to match the OpenBuilds 6mm spacers and there now is a new noticeable V shaped groove divot for identifying cam position. This V divot makes it very easy to distinguish it from the already available 1/4" eccentrics. They also have a wide stance 10mm just as the 1/4" versions and work great for any OpenBuilds project. Hope this helps to make even more awesome builds possible! Again we here at OpenBuilds are very thankful to everyone who offered feedback to help make these new eccentrics possible.
@kram242, are you going to start offering the wheel kits with a choice of either 1/4" or 6mm spacers or will the 6mm spacers have to be purchased separately?
Remind me Mark. Were the new 6mm spacers etc for the X axis only? On the double pieces of aluminium? And the older spacers and Eccentrics were for the Gantry on the Y Axis? Are the new 6mm Eccentrics simply on a need to fit bases, or am I going to need some more of them. Or is there an explanation in the Store? I haven't had need to go there lately. Remembering I'm using Roberts Gantry plates. By the way, you've been noticeable by your absence lately. I know you're a busy man, but I've missed your comments lately. Don't be a stranger now. Cheers Gray.
This is a good question and one we are working on, at the moment the 1/4: spacers will continue to be included. I think you may be thinking of the 9mm spacers to get the correct spacing between the rails as discussed earlier back in this thread? (I think on page 1) as for the 6mm you could change out your machine replacing all of the 1/4" spacers and eccentrics with the new 6mm if you would like to, the option is now available to do so. Understand that its not necessary, but its nice to have the metric options for future builds. Hey now it feels nice to be noticed, thanks for the kind words Gray. You right we have just been working mostly. I do have a few builds in the back ground I am working on that I hope to post soon Thanks guys Mark
Just to add to your point... Countries That Don’t Use the Metric System Of all the countries in the world, only three backwaters still use the archaic Imperial system of weights and measures: And according to Americans...
Same with me, I grew up with metric, but my dad grew up in the days the British still colonised our country. He can go from feet and inches and 1/8. 1/16 etc and pounds to kg from the top of his head (like grade 1 tables 1x8m 2x8, 3x8). I had to "condition" myself over time to at least know the popular conversion without a calculator, like 1/4 inch, etc. I agree with Lee, we should all do the SI and work in metrics, but it will not be tomorrow. At least, is not like in WWII, where the military equipment all use "bespoke" non standards. (where neither English nor Metric standards worked)
