Really basic question here...

[komelika]

I don't want to convert everything to SAE as I am building the cuda so I'm going to buy a metric tape. Do you have a seamstess tape in your garage for special purposes or do you just use the metal tape for everything? Thanks!

[Carlriddle]

U.S. law says you have to use SAE.   Thought the Edge used to offer a choice on metric/SAE.  Haven't seen any metric tape measures at Home Depot.

[komelika]

Yeah, looks like it may be an ebay only thing. Actually, there isn't that many on ebay either.

[fabr]

What's the problem with converting?SAE and metric are pretty close to same and conversion tables are just a click away on google.Here in the US SAE is going to be a boat load easier to source and in many cases cheaper.

[hemi43]

We converted to metric here in Canada almost 30 years ago, and it's been a PITA since.I'm a Tool Maker and I only use SAE. Metric is by far a better system, but it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. 

[komelika]

What's the problem with converting?SAE and metric are pretty close to same and conversion tables are just a click away on google.Here in the US SAE is going to be a boat load easier to source and in many cases cheaper.

I'm just talking measurements as far as marking the tubing for bending. Other than that SAE.

[fabr]

If your die is not spot on the CLR the plans call for then you will be adjusting those bend points anyway if you plan on building to the plans. The reason is that even though you may have a 4"CLR  die your true CLR will need to be verified with a test bend when you first get your bender.  This is called die calibration. It likely will be 4-4.125" This is very important to do as ALL subsequent bends will be off by that much also and things get crappy fast. Whether you follow the plans or not you need to calibrate each and every die and each die with each wall thickness and alloy that you use.

[fabr]

I suggest that you buy Bend-Tech EZ. Even though you have plans the BT will make you capable of adjusting the plans to work with YOUR bender and DIE perfectly. You won't be disappointed if you buy it. Worth every penny.

[fabr]

OR maybe see if someone on here will rework your bend start points after you calibrate your die.

[komelika]

I understand what you are saying. This article explains it in pretty easy detail and is the technique I plan to follow when I get started.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/bendin_tube/index.html

My tools shipped today and I should have them on the 1st!

[Doug Heim]

Im helping him with the bend points as he is buying the same bend radius die as what I use. Same material too.

Take all the metric measurments and devide by 25.4 then round to nearest 32nd or 16th of and inch.

Your buying plate work from me and I already did all the converting on those to where you can even use SAE hardware.

[komelika]

Dude! Just in case you haven't already been told today... You totally rock!