Guild Forum

Vol.3 No.3
September 2004

Centimeters Versus Inch

Q. I am a miniaturist from Brazil. Here we have to make "everything" when we talk about miniatures. Well, isn't it the best part of all, the challenge of doing everything?

But I have a doubt about scale. I know that the 1inch scale began transforming 1 foot to 1 inch, and that is not exactly 1/12 when we transform it to metric scale. In Brazil we use the metric system, and it's hard to use inch. The question is: Do I have to use inch when I make a replica? Can I use only centimeters and divide per 12?

Thanks,

Regina Passy-Yip
São Paulo-S.P.
Brazil

* READERS NOTE: www.miniaturas.hpg.com.br  CHECK OUT THIS WEB SITE TO SEE JUST WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MINIATURES IN OTHER COUNTRIES. Note, if you need translation use www.google.com "MORE" then "TRANSLATION TOOL" for help.

A:  Julian

Dear Regina,

Thank you for the very interesting question about using 1/12th scale in the English and metric measuring systems. The simple answer is: Yes, you can divide you centimeter measurements by 12 and arrive at 1/12th scale. For example, if you and I measure the same table with me using the English system and you the metric system, then divide our measures by 12, we will both arrive at the same length of miniature, just the numbers will be different. A fraction of a whole is the same spot regardless of how it is measured.
 
The matter of changing measurements from one system to another is the problem. I have changed some metric plans to English measurement and always come up with some interesting fractions left over. The same is true in reverse. Most differences are within rounding error and can be corrected with good judgment. For example, 100cm/12 = 8.333cm = 3.28inches. That could be 3 1/4 inches or maybe, 3 5/16 inches depending on the piece.
 
Regina, I am a furniture maker, so I know you have some very interesting native woods in Brazil. Good luck on you works in miniature.
 
- Julian

Regina's Response:

Julian answered exactly what I wanted to know.

Castine is my dream, but everything in USA costs too much for us (1US$ =3 R$). So importing also is too expensive. I had some electric tools, but I prefer to work with the hand. I use jeweler's tools. Ex-acto-knife (imported), but where I expend more money is in books.

Nowadays I am using only cedar. I began with balsa, but indeed it's too soft. I can't turn, can't make small parts. Balsa and cedar can be found in strips, since 1mm to 1 inch. I will look for cherry, but I think I will find only strips of 0,8mm, used to cover real furniture's.

I didn't find pictures of your work (George, wife, Julian). But the one I found and really made me almost cry was the work of Paul Moore.

One day I will be an IGMA artisan, that's the new challenge.

- R.Passy-Yip

A: George

Dear Regina,

I can appreciate your having difficulty with understanding our inch, I would have the same problem trying to understand the metric system. I hope Julian's answer helped you.

You mention that you are using cedar wood and as you say it may not be the strongest.  However we have a fellow that uses cedar from old fence posts where he lives. He has done very well with it and his furniture pieces are exquisite. They are surprising light weight and also very strong, he makes chairs and settees with very fine turnings and spindles.

I did see on your web site that you also use balsa wood you do very well with it since detail is so hard. It is hard to cut, shape, sand smooth and stain. Would you be able to find a source for cherry wood, as it is easier to cut, shape etc. It stains beautifully too.

I'm very impressed with your progress in making miniatures along with your web site and all the rest of information that you make available. In our country as Miniatures were becoming popular you had to search long and hard to find tooling and supplies.

Today's new miniaturists have small tooling, supplies, lumber of various types and cut to proper thickness. Most of all they have the opportunity to go to workshops at shows and the IGMA Guild School in Castine, Maine for a week of classes. The Guild School offers an opportunity to take classes from experienced miniature makers.

I have enjoyed your web page, your work etc. Please do keep up your interest, as you say I agree the "Challenge" keeps you and all of us improving. "I am a miniaturist from Brazil. Here we have to make "everything" when we talk about miniatures. Well, isn't it the best part of all, the challenge of doing everything?"

Our best wishes to you and fellow Miniaturists in Brazil: george