A missing “tab” character on page 56 of “The Essential Woodworker” garbled the chart that showed rough sizes and planed sizes in inches and millimeters.
While all the numbers are correct in the chart, the labels on each column were shifted because of the missing tab. The corrected chart is shown above. Also, you can download a high-resolution version of the corrected page below, print it out and stick it on page 56 if you like.
Our apologies for the mistake.
— Christopher Schwarz
I hate to be "That Guy," and maybe I’m just missing some bit of knowledge, but that chart doesn’t seem as accurate as it could/should be. Right of the bat, you list 8mm ~ 3/8". 8mm=0.31496 inches. 9mm or 10mm is far closer to 3/8 (0.375") at 0.35433" and 0.3937" respectively. Seems like 1/16 (0.0625") = 2 mm (0.078") is more appropriate.
Oh, by the way, repeatedly throughout the book Wearing uses the word "polished". In the first instance he says to polish the wood in order for glue not to stick. What exactly does polishing mean?
Matt,
You would be right, if this were a conversion chart between metric and Imperial. It’s not. It reflects more what you will find on the job and from the lumberyard.
In other words, you’re unlikely to size your stock down to 13/16" in a typical situation. Most jobs call for 7/8" or 3/4" thicknesses.
Same with the metric. It reflects typical workshop practice.
So don’t use it as a conversion chart. Just use the system (metric/Imperial) that is prevalent in your shop. Ignore the other.
I hope this makes sense.
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And Paul, "polished" means to add a film finish. Many people finish the inside of their work or a floating panel before assembly for these reasons.
Chris
Perfectly reasonable explanation. Thanks!
Chris
Thanks for the errata.
Albert