Replies

1. 
   lwilliams | Feb 03, 2007 08:29pm | #1

   It's for setting engineered roof and floor systems. It results in one less structural member for 8' run. It's usually used for floor and roof trusses.

1. 
   UnclePablo | Feb 03, 2007 11:06pm | #2

   When was the system first used? Is it used primarily in commercial building applications?

   Thanks for the reply,

   -Paul

2. 
   HammerHarry | Feb 03, 2007 11:07pm | #3

   " They divide 96" into 5 equal parts and so on down the tape."

   That's your answer right there.  Floor trusses or I joists are often laid out on 19.2" centers, since it saves on material.

   And now that you know, the black helicopters from Breaktime will be over to get you.

    

1. 
   UnclePablo | Feb 03, 2007 11:23pm | #4

   Thanks. I guess I was looking for a more complicated answer where there wasn't one.  I have just never run across a scenario that would have placed framing at 19"-whatever OC. But then again my framing experience is somewhat limited.

   Black Helicopters, eh? Now... where did I put those dang Patriot missiles.........

   Thanks,

   -Paul

1. 
   BigFrank | Feb 04, 2007 12:05am | #5

   I always thought the diamonds were on there to sharpen up your measuring...

3. 
   GregGibson | Feb 04, 2007 04:24am | #6

   It's a cubit.  Origin goes back several years, I think.

   ; > )

   Greg

1. 
   UnclePablo | Feb 04, 2007 03:42pm | #9

   A cubit......I'll research that one.

   Thanks,

   -Paul

1. 
   Napie | Feb 05, 2007 04:39am | #13

   The length from the elbow to the tip of the out stretched middle finger.  That’s how they built the pyramids.  

1. 
   jeanlou | Feb 06, 2007 04:48am | #17

   Napie

   That means that if we built the pyramids, or an ark today, the finished item would be bigger. After all, the McDonald's generation is taller with longer arms and fatter fingers...or is my fuzzy logic so fuzzy that it is out of focus?  JL

1. 
   Napie | Feb 06, 2007 04:50pm | #20

   I think so.  The standard was set by the Pharaoh’s arm I believe. Just like the foot was from the king of <!----><!----><!---->England<!----><!---->, which one I’m not sure.

2. 
   jeanlou | Feb 07, 2007 06:45am | #21

   This is the perfect justification for the having the metric system. It will insure that all arks and pyramids will be standard sized.  :-)  JL

4. 
   Floss | Feb 04, 2007 05:53am | #7

   I'm sorry to say, but all the answers you received are incorrect.

   Except the one about it being an ancient form of measurement. It is a very ancient form/symbolism of measurement dating back to very early carpenters guilds. The secret meaning of the black diamond was passed from master to apprentice once the apprentice was deemed worthy of the information.

   There are still many members of the ordine del diamante nero worldwide, however one must be initiated by an active member in order to receive the sacred knowledge.

   It seems that the simple answers always satisfy the curious mind, but only those who "know" will be able to tell the truth.

   I wish you good luck in your quest.

   J.P.

   http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com
1. 
   JMartinsky | Feb 04, 2007 07:32am | #8

   Dear JP,
   Speaking of black helicopters.............So what are you saying, that it is attached to the Free Masons? Ti-Lateral? X-Files?The answers about it being used for that bizarre framing system are correct. If you have any other answers, I suggest that you try enlightening us.Best,John (Evil)

2. 
   UnclePablo | Feb 04, 2007 03:46pm | #10

   Tongue firmly in cheek? I had actually heard it was an old form of measurement. Exactly what, was my original question.

   Thanks (I think),

   -Paul

1. 
   highfigh | Feb 04, 2007 06:33pm | #11

   Unless you know the secret handshakes, I think it would be wise to keep quiet on this subject of diamonds on tape measures. (they're out there, you know)Actually, I have it on the highest authority that the diamonds are from when they built the pyramids and since nobody knows when more will be built, they wanted to always be prepared for the next time someone needs to to go the hardware store. If you cut a diamond shape in half or quarters, what shape do you see? The side view of a pyramid, that's what.OK, I'm leaving now.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   Napie | Feb 05, 2007 04:40am | #14

   Yes we are, and we are watching....

1. 
   highfigh | Feb 05, 2007 05:24am | #15

   eeep!
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

5. 
   sawdustfactory | Feb 05, 2007 03:01am | #12

   If you search in this fourum and Breaktime, you will find other threads covering this. It's quite interesting, as you will get several different answers. Good luck.

1. 
   UnclePablo | Feb 06, 2007 02:05am | #16

   Thanks, I will.

   -Paul

6. 
   timothale | Feb 06, 2007 04:50am | #18

   like someone said  5 joists per 8 ft sheet of ply   I ve done a lot of commercial and school layout.   smaller rooms use 24  oc  19,2 oc,   larger room spans were 16 or 12  oc   all with the same height i joists or trusses  to keep the ceiings and roofs in the same plane for the total building    ... a dollar here and a dollar there... it is supposed to all add up and put more money in the bosses pocket

1. 
   UnclePablo | Feb 08, 2007 12:12am | #22

   Thanks for the info. Are there any problems with that layout where the 4' side of the sheet goods are concerned? What I mean is, it hits the framing along an 8' increment not 4', any problems or waste in that regard?

   -Paul

7. 
   jackplane | Feb 06, 2007 04:29pm | #19

   Those who know, don't tell.

   Those who tell, don't know.

   Expert since 10 am.

1. 
   UnclePablo | Feb 08, 2007 12:13am | #23

   Don't worry, what happens in Knots stays in Knots.