Stupid question but...

I'm attempting some carpentry, and on the list is a "2 x 4". Problem is I am used to working in metric and this is a US term. All I know is that if you hit a guy with a 2x4, he normally goes down - thanks Hollywood!! :-) :-) :-)

Question is does that mean it's 2 inches by 4 inches?

It does Tarok.

Well, It use to be 2" by 4" now they're 1.5" x 2.5" It's the old rough cut dimension vs the newer "finish planed" dimensions........

Pardon me Matt, but I believe you meant to say the new dimensions are 1.5" X 3.5" after planing.

Not to confuse matters

Garry

oops....lol had 1x3 on the brain....lol

Actually Jonathan the US is suppose to be in the process of changing over to the metric system. But it is a very slow process. After hundreds of years it just takes time. Like the saying goes, its hard to teach an old dog new tricks!

Garry

Amen to that.... maybe After my lifetime!!!!!

The standard system is already metric. Most science and enginering use it unless the formula specifically calls for imperial

I hate to tell you guys but the imperial system will be here as long as manufacturing uses it and manufacturing isn't changing yet. I gaurentee you the guys on our shop floor took a long time to learn their fractions and won't give it up easy. There is not a manufacturing firm in the US that I know of that relies wholy on the metric sstem. Even the big 3 are going back to imperial.