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Post by 9fingers on Nov 29, 2008 21:23:05 GMT
As per subject. I want one for the workshop with big buttons and a large display so i can see it without diving for my specs (mildly longsighted)
Ideally I'd operate this in a poly bag to keep out oil and swarf.
Must be able to to do squares/roots and basic trig functions.
I can find lots of 4 function calculators but no scientific ones.
What do you guys use in the workshop??
TIA
Bob
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Post by sainty on Nov 29, 2008 21:36:15 GMT
I use my aptop. I give it a quick hoover up at the end of the day to keep it cean. Only thing is i'm missing the "" key and the "FN" key which both went up the hoover.
rgds
Stu
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Post by jonnyd on Nov 29, 2008 22:11:50 GMT
I use a normal desktop calculator as i have no need for the scientific functions and i cant remember how to do trig anyway. If i need to find an angle i draw it full size and use a protractor.
jon
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Post by wizer on Nov 29, 2008 22:26:18 GMT
Is this where Jacob say you should be using an Abacus??  |
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Post by 9fingers on Nov 29, 2008 22:33:42 GMT
Is this where Jacob say you should be using an Abacus?? More often than not I do use a rod for woodwork - hope Jacob approves!-but I also do a lot of metal work and I need to calculate figures for those jobs. |
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Post by 9fingers on Nov 29, 2008 22:37:01 GMT
I use my aptop. I give it a quick hoover up at the end of the day to keep it cean. Only thing is i'm missing the "" key and the "FN" key which both went up the hoover. rgds Stu Looks like the "L" is bu88ered too!! Yes a laptop is another possibility but it won't like oil and swarf and If I put it in a bag I'm concerned about it over heating. Bob PS Stu, there seems to be a problem with your avatar not loading. I rather liked the look of her! |
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Post by mrgrimsdale on Nov 29, 2008 23:04:04 GMT
Slide rule? I've got one but haven't used it for years - but somebody on the telly was going on about how wonderful they are. He was probably right.
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Post by jasonb on Nov 30, 2008 10:11:24 GMT
I use a cheap solar powered one from staples, its got sq roots and if I need any trig function I just use the computer calculator which can be done before I go into the workshop.
Jason
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Post by 9fingers on Nov 30, 2008 11:08:21 GMT
Slide rule? I've got one but haven't used it for years - but somebody on the telly was going on about how wonderful they are. He was probably right. That's a great idea Jacob! I used to be a dab hand with a slide rule at school & uni. - That was pre-calculator days. I still have several slide rules around - must look them out. Thank You I have one somewhere that belonged to my father that works in pounds shillings & pence. Not much call for that now but a conversation piece amongst similar old farts to myself. Bob |
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Post by 9fingers on Nov 30, 2008 11:10:56 GMT
I use a cheap solar powered one from staples, its got sq roots and if I need any trig function I just use the computer calculator which can be done before I go into the workshop. Jason I think that shows the difference between a pro and an amateur like myself. I think I have the design sorted before i go into the workshop but normally some error or other "occurs" and some re-calculation is called for! Bob |
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Post by mrgrimsdale on Nov 30, 2008 12:01:19 GMT
What actually is it everybody needs to calculate?
I can't say I do much myself; dividing by 2 or 3 for midpoints, some adding up for orders, sometimes a running total on a calculator for measurements to put on a rod - tape hooked on one end and you just read along without moving it.
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Post by jasonb on Nov 30, 2008 13:30:38 GMT
Bob has given the game away by mentioning swarf and oil as opposed to sawdust and shavings. If he's using it in the metal work shop then they are handy for when working in decimal inches and converting to fractions, mine gets the most use when the zeuz tables come out for PCD drilling with the digital readouts on the mill  Jason |
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Post by 9fingers on Nov 30, 2008 14:00:29 GMT
Spot on Jason!
I am a mechanical engineer/hobbyist first and a relative newbie to woodworking. One of my greatest faults in woodworking at the moment is to approach it like an engineering job and working everything out to the last detail hence the need for a calculator.
Incidentally for PCD drilling or machining internal/external profiles I use an Excel spreadsheet to print out the coordinates to work to and take these out to the workshop for use on the DRO.
Bob
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Post by jasonb on Nov 30, 2008 17:49:47 GMT
I thought most decent DROs worked out PCDs for you, I only have the digital caliper type scales with separate read outs so need to work it out.
Jason
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Post by 9fingers on Nov 30, 2008 18:01:02 GMT
My DRO is 20 plus years old. It is a good make - Heidenhain - but dates back to when it was enough of a 'miracle' to know where you were in X & Y and the displays did not offer any maths capability.
It is amazing how these things have dropping in price. 2 scales and a 2 axis display cost me virtually a grand in 1987- about half the price of the mill at the time!
Bob
Bob
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