If I want something hand size, solid for normal use and elegant, 1 1/4inch x 1/2 inch.
I'm probably missing the point here but you can do fractions with metric as well:
1 1/4 inch x 1/2 inch = 3 7/40 cm x 1 27/100 cm, the numbers are not as nice and round because we had to convert from inches, but you could easily have for example 3 1/8 cm x 1 1/4 cm (or 1/3 dm x 1/8 dm)?
Yes and no.
Yes in theory, but no in practice as in practice, there is no 1/4cm mark in readily available measuring tools (speed squares, tapes, laser, depth gages etc) and in wood work you work to a line, not down to a measurement (in most cases)... you dont do parts that are 16,891mm (as with metal) but 1’1/64 to the knife mark, then if you need to adjust, you plane it down micron by micron until the fit is tight.
And the plans are done in fractions, with no rounding.
Except in cabinets... as the appliances are made to fit in 30, 60, 90 or 120cm units!
It might not make sense in a conversation, but in practice chopping miter joints or slabbing lumber, it does.
Anyway, got back on the vessels today, in dry dock somewhere south of Istanbul.
I allready stink of diesel as a duplex filter was more dirty than expected, and the compressed air blew the leftover fuel up instead of through the filter.