Always do your own measurements

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  • Thread starter Thread starter DaveC426913
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    Recycling
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SUMMARY

This discussion emphasizes the critical importance of taking personal measurements when constructing custom projects, particularly when dealing with dimensions provided by others. The author recounts a specific instance involving the construction of a garbage can and recycling bin holder, where miscommunication regarding bin dimensions led to an oversized final product. The author also shares a cautionary tale about ordering the wrong threading die due to incorrect specifications, reinforcing the necessity of verifying measurements independently.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic construction principles
  • Familiarity with standard measurement units (inches)
  • Knowledge of threading standards (UNF, UNEF)
  • Basic woodworking or DIY skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research accurate measurement techniques for DIY projects
  • Learn about different threading standards and their applications
  • Explore best practices for communicating project specifications
  • Investigate tools for measuring and verifying dimensions in construction
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for DIY enthusiasts, carpenters, and anyone involved in custom construction projects who seeks to avoid costly mistakes due to miscommunication or incorrect measurements.

DaveC426913
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TL;DR
See if you can solve this math puzzle
Building a garbage can / recycle bin holder for my son.

Two recycling bins on top, one garbage bin below.

When I asked for dimensions, this is what he sent me.

1718565585088.jpeg


The $64,000 question:

What is the minimum floor area a box will take up to hold the garbage bin on the bottom and 2 recycling bins above it?
 
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Hint: what is the footprint of one bin?
 
Is he a weight-lifter? Ponder how he will transport/empty the full recycle bins. :H
 
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Tom.G said:
Is he a weight-lifter? Ponder how he will transport/empty the full recycle bins. :H
Well, you're def sniffing around the problem there.

You see, the measurements he gave me - and let me repost his actual screenshot:


1718595763765.png


- I found out after actually building and installing the thing that the measurements he provided are for BOTH bins together.

Two
bins, side-by-side: 20.5 inches. That's what he meant.

But what he said was:
Bin width 20/1/2 inches
Why would a sane man do that??

So we need to have a little talk about pluralization.

I built the whole thing based on
Bin width 20/1/2 inches
Bin depth 14 inches

My container is 20 1/2 inches deep and 28 inches wide.

It's HUGE!

Moral of the story: Always take your own measurements!
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Moral of the story: Always take your own measurements!
I have been caught in the past 10 days. A friend wanted a thread cut to fit an existing part. His label on the part said " It's 1/2"-28 tpi UNS, that is what it is ! ".

So I ordered a 1/2"-28 UNEF (extra fine) die, which came with a tap. But it did not fit, because the thread was actually a stock standard 1/2"-20 UNF. That's what it was !

His fault for misdirecting me. My fault for trusting him.
 
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I hope you charged him for at least one of those!
 

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