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General ruler 1251

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General ruler 1251
Posted by rrebell on Saturday, January 24, 2015 11:28 AM

What I am looking for is the old style General 1251 with the edge starting 0 instead of the new ones with the same model number that start at -1 from the edge. Just like this type better after using both types for years. It would have been great if they changed model numbers with a change in markings!

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Posted by CGW121 on Saturday, January 24, 2015 11:30 AM

The 6" with the round end? If so Lowes has them, and I would assume the other big box stores do as well.

 

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Posted by rrebell on Saturday, January 24, 2015 12:38 PM

CGW121

The 6" with the round end? If so Lowes has them, and I would assume the other big box stores do as well.

 

 

No the 12" model railroading one.

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Posted by GGOOLER on Saturday, January 24, 2015 7:51 PM

rrebell

What I am looking for is the old style General 1251 with the edge starting 0 instead of the new ones with the same model number that start at -1 from the edge. Just like this type better after using both types for years. It would have been great if they changed model numbers with a change in markings!

 

i just took mine and cut off the -1 with my break/shear.

later

g

 

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Posted by zstripe on Sunday, January 25, 2015 11:10 PM

Are You talking about the one with the 3'' and 9'' mark before the 1 foot mark, scale 87ft foot long? Mine is so old some of the black marking has come off. HO scale, S-scale and O- scale. 64th's, mm,drill tap, number drills on back. I have even used it on my machine drawings. Very well made.

Take Care! Big Smile

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Posted by rrebell on Monday, January 26, 2015 11:22 AM

The new ones start a -1' at the edge so it stays exact even if the edge gets damaged (I have one of those too). The one I am looking for starts at 0' which I need as the way I use this one. Yes I can use the other but it can lead to errors for me that sometines I miss after the cut.

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Posted by last mountain & eastern hogger on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 10:48 AM

Whistling

   Old Carpenters saying, " Measure twice >>> cut once"

Works almost every time...... Lol.

 johnboy out..................

from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North.. 

We have met the enemy,  and he is us............ (Pogo)

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Posted by arbe1948 on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 9:37 PM

I sometimes have to cut twice and it is still too short!

Bob Bochenek
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Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 12:11 AM

LOL, acually these responces to a serius question anoy me.

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Posted by woodman on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 5:53 AM

I feel your pain, you are looking for advice/help on a given subject, it's important to you, but for some reason others think it's a time to joke around. I hope you get the advice you need.

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Posted by NP2626 on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 5:55 AM

rrebell

What I am looking for is the old style General 1251 with the edge starting 0 instead of the new ones with the same model number that start at -1 from the edge. Just like this type better after using both types for years. It would have been great if they changed model numbers with a change in markings!

 

You talk like this rule is a new model; however, mine is likely close to 25 years old.  I do agree with you, I don't like the minus number.  You always need to remember that measuring from the end of the rule will add one to any measurement.  Why they did this is beyond me!  They could just as easily have divided the 0-1 graduation into the smaller graduations.
 
However, if you cannot find what you are after, at some point you will get used to what they’ve done and remember that the end of the rule is not Zero!  The way I use this rule is like this:  Say I want to measure out the side of a building I want to make that has a side that is 30 feet long.  My stating point is at 30 feet, not Zero.  I seem to catch the fact that the rule has an extra foot at it's end this way.  However, if you find a rule that is correctly made (my opinion) please let me know!   
 
A search at both Walthers and Model Train Stuff only showed rules such as we both dislike.

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

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Posted by carl425 on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 7:29 AM

NP2626
Why they did this is beyond comprehension! They could just as easily have divided the 0-1 graduation into the smaller graduations.

The reason is very simple and logical.  Just like the three sided scales I was taught to use in mechanical drawing in 1970.  Did you notice that the fine scale to the left of zero goes backwards? You set the mark on the right to the rounded down nearest full inch, then read the the fraction off the fine scale.

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

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Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 9:13 AM

carl425

 

 
NP2626
Why they did this is beyond comprehension! They could just as easily have divided the 0-1 graduation into the smaller graduations.

 

The reason is very simple and logical.  Just like the three sided scales I was taught to use in mechanical drawing in 1970.  Did you notice that the fine scale to the left of zero goes backwards? You set the mark on the right to the rounded down nearest full inch, then read the the fraction off the fine scale.

 

Accually, you are wrong on the model one (and right on the other). The reason is the ends could get banged up and cause mistakes. The one for mechical drawing stopped before the end also.

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Posted by carl425 on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 9:38 AM

rrebell
Accually, you are wrong on the model one (and right on the other). The reason is the ends could get banged up and cause mistakes. The one for mechical drawing stopped before the end also.

The question I responded to was about why the fine marking are to the left of the zero.  The General 1251 I just looked on Amazon is set up just like I said it was.

Stopping before the end is a different question - to which your answer is correct.

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Posted by Hobbez on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 9:46 AM

If you cannot find a rule that fits your needs, why not block out, putty in, or cover the existing numbers, and re-label or engrave new ones so that your numbers start at 0 instead of -1?  We are modelers after all, improvisation and modification are our core tools.

My layout blog,
The creation, death, and rebirth of the Bangor & Aroostook

http://hobbezium.blogspot.com
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Posted by zstripe on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 10:16 AM

I don't know why You find it so hard to use the one that shows, the 3'' and 9'' mark from ''0'' being the left end of the rule, then to the 1ft mark.....Mine has got to be over 50 plus year's old and the ends are not damaged or rounded at all, just some of the paint is missing where I spilled lacquer thinner on it. I like it because you can measure a inside corner with it and not have to add or subtract any. It is stainless steel....they are pretty robust. It actually starts at zero, but zero is the end of the ruler. I'm a stickler when it comes to tools of any kind, so I do take care of them.

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

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Posted by NP2626 on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 2:07 PM

carl425

 

 
NP2626
Why they did this is beyond comprehension! They could just as easily have divided the 0-1 graduation into the smaller graduations.

 

The reason is very simple and logical.  Just like the three sided scales I was taught to use in mechanical drawing in 1970.  Did you notice that the fine scale to the left of zero goes backwards? You set the mark on the right to the rounded down nearest full inch, then read the the fraction off the fine scale.

 

I understand what the thinking behind it is and in the second paragraph of my post, had you read it, I explain how I use it.  It doesn't mean I think it's the best way of providing a measuring tool; nor, that I like it.  I took all the drafting classes in high school and got high marks. Then, I went on to become a tool and die maker/designer; so, I have some experience in using drafting equipment.  I also know enough to know what I like and don't like and I don't like this aspect of these scales.  You do and that is great!    

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

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Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 2:11 PM

zstripe

I don't know why You find it so hard to use the one that shows, the 3'' and 9'' mark from ''0'' being the left end of the rule, then to the 1ft mark.....Mine has got to be over 50 plus year's old and the ends are not damaged or rounded at all, just some of the paint is missing where I spilled lacquer thinner on it. I like it because you can measure a inside corner with it and not have to add or subtract any. It is stainless steel....they are pretty robust. It actually starts at zero, but zero is the end of the ruler. I'm a stickler when it comes to tools of any kind, so I do take care of them.

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

 

Because I like to use it in cavitys also. Personal preference, not that I can't do it.

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Posted by carl425 on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 2:49 PM

Sorry, when you said:

NP2626
Why they did this is beyond comprehension!

I believed you. Smile

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Posted by NP2626 on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 5:13 PM

carl425

Sorry, when you said:

 

 
NP2626
Why they did this is beyond comprehension!

 

I believed you. Smile

This was a bit of an over zelous remark on my part.  So, I changed it to "beyond me".

However, wouldn't we all be better off if we just put down our own opinions and not worry about what the other guy said?   Confused

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

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Posted by carl425 on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 5:31 PM

NP2626
However, wouldn't we all be better off if we just put down our own opinions and not worry about what the other guy said?

OK, it is my opinion that you asked a question so I answered.

And if you really care what would make us all better off, if somebody answers a question you don't think was asked, just let it go rather than posting your resume to justify taking offense when none was intended.

Sheez - can't we all just get along?

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Posted by NP2626 on Thursday, January 29, 2015 6:33 AM

Sheez is right!Bang Head

NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"

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Posted by NP2626 on Thursday, January 29, 2015 6:38 AM

This is absolutly amazing to me!  A simple topic about what we like/dislike in a ruler can turn into a Battle Royal, for some!

Excuss me for even having any opinion!  Let alone being taken to task for making a flippent comment!    

Your turn now Carl425!

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Posted by maxman on Thursday, January 29, 2015 9:03 AM

rrebell
What I am looking for is the old style General 1251 with the edge starting 0 instead of the new ones with the same model number that start at -1 from the edge.

They are not General rules, but maybe one of the following will work for you:

This one is do-it-yourself: http://lhonings.home.xs4all.nl/rulers.html and this is what it looks like: http://lhonings.home.xs4all.nl/images/rulers/HOscaleruler_mmshort.gif

This one is also do-it-yourself: http://www.rslaserkits.com/ScaleRulers.pdf

This one is an E-bay obtainable item: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/150473401608?lpid=82&chn=ps.  When you blow up the picture, it appears that the scale starts at "0" rather than a minus 1.

I hope this info is useful to you.

Regards

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Posted by rrebell on Thursday, January 29, 2015 9:42 AM

maxman

 

 
rrebell
What I am looking for is the old style General 1251 with the edge starting 0 instead of the new ones with the same model number that start at -1 from the edge.

 

They are not General rules, but maybe one of the following will work for you:

This one is do-it-yourself: http://lhonings.home.xs4all.nl/rulers.html and this is what it looks like: http://lhonings.home.xs4all.nl/images/rulers/HOscaleruler_mmshort.gif

This one is also do-it-yourself: http://www.rslaserkits.com/ScaleRulers.pdf

This one is an E-bay obtainable item: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/150473401608?lpid=82&chn=ps.  When you blow up the picture, it appears that the scale starts at "0" rather than a minus 1.

I hope this info is useful to you.

Regards

 

Thank you, finaly someone that read the question and gave an answer, loooks like the last entry will do, anybody own one of these?????????????????

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