Popular Woodworking 2002-12 № 131, страница 12
Letters MORE PRESSURE EQUALS BETTER PERFORMANCE
(60 nails each) Actual performance may vary on a unit-to-unit test. (60 nails each) Actual performance may vary on a unit-to-unit test. Just $329.99 Ask for #16731 Hose and tools sold separately Available at Sears and Sears Hardware stores 800.437.9686 www.sears.com/craftsman Where else?" © 2002 Sears, Roebuck and Co. Tape Measures are for Southpaws?Why Do the Numbers Read from Left to Right on Traditional Tape Measures? Bet this question will stump you as it has me and those I've asked. First, let's assume you're right handed, as most people are. Grab a tape measure and hook the end on a piece of wood you intend to mark for a cut-off length. Do you normally grab the tape measure with your left hand, hook it on the right end and mark the measurement with your right hand? Or, do you hold the tape in your right hand, hooking it on the left end and mark where you want to cut with your left hand? I have asked many woodworkers, hardware store employees and construction workers. Every person I've asked is right handed and pulled the tape out to the right. Now, notice that when pulling out the tape to the right the numbers are printed upside down - not on just some tape measures, but all of them, as well as steel and wooden rulers - even the ones that have measurements on both sides. Why are the numbers always upside down? I'm guessing that there's some reason for this convention, but no one I've asked has had a clue. In fact, most people reply that they've never thought about it, or they just learned to read the measurements upside down. Several said, "Thanks a lot! Now it's going to bother me, too!" The closest thing I've found to a tape measure having numbers on the "reading" side are those that have numbers turned sideways so that if you're holding the tape vertically, the numbers are right-side up going down the tape. Do you have any idea why all tape measures and rulers are marked this way? Margo A. Kanthak St. Cloud, Minnesota Editor's note: Curious ourselves, we asked Adam Weeks, the product manager for Lufkin's measuring tools. His response: "If I only had a nickel..." he says. "The answer is one word: Tradition." When companies such as Lufkin (and others) have introduced tapes that read right-to-left, a curious thing happens. "All we get are returns and complaints that the blade is upside down," Weeks says. Lufkin has recently introduced a Quickread tape that runs the numbers vertically, which keeps you oriented. However, if you want to try a tape measure with the numbers running right-to-left, you can buy one from Lee Valley Tools (800-871-8158 or www.leevalley.com). Table Saw Tilt Has More to do With Tearout Than With Safety I've been following everyone's "concern" over the right- vs. left-tilt table saws with more than a little curiosity. I've heard and read this discussion more times than I can count, but this is the first time that "safety" seems to be the concern. With most woodworking tasks, the operator's safety is more assured by procedure, not equipment design (though equipment design helps). The big difference between left- and right-tilt table saws is in the way the blade cuts the work piece. When cutting a bevel with the traditional right-tilt blade, the blade exits the work piece at the thinnest point of the bevel. With some woods and wood products, this guarantees tear-out. When cutting a bevel with a left-tilt blade, the blade exits continued on page 14 WRITE TO US Popular Woodworking welcomes letters from readers with questions or comments about the magazine or woodworking in general.We try to respond to all correspondence. Published letters may be edited for length or style.All letters become the property of Popular Woodworking. How to send your letter: • E-mail: popwood@fwpubs.com • Fax:513-891-7196 • Mail carrier: Letters • Popular Woodworking 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 12 Popular Woodworking December 2002 |
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