Is working to .001” in a wood shop feasible and if so, is it practical? 

The answer to the first part of this question is, yes absolutely.  The second part of the question, about it being practical is a little harder to answer.  It’s a kind of yes and no answer.  This is to say it depends on what it is you’re making.   If you’ve ever made a piece of furniture with traditional joinery, chances are you’re already working to this degree of accuracy whether you knew it or not.

You know that feeling when you push a tenon into the mortise you carefully cut, and it fits together with just a slight bit of resistance?  Theres about 4 to 5 thousands of an inch between that joint fitting perfectly and one that’s getting a little loose.  It’s hard to believe but if you pull out a set of calipers and carefully measure, you may be surprised at how a small amount can make a big difference. 

Now I will say that it’s not necessary to measure everything to this degree and it can take away from the joy of just making things.  Use a tape measure and a good ruler and sneak up on those last few thou by feel.  Tune that hand plane and sharpen those chisels and after a while, you’ll just know how much you’re taking off by the look of the shavings.

Over time though, you may find having a good pair of calipers and a conversion chart is a necessity.  If your work involves the use of anything connected to a computer, then it won’t have a clue what a 1/8” is.  It’s going to be decimals all the way.  Whether it’s Imperial or Metric the decimal will rule supreme, and you’ll have to adapt and convert.   That’s where the “Conversion Chart“ comes in.  Convert that fraction of an inch into a decimal.  Take that millimeter and find the closest fraction.  There are many times you’ll find yourself looking through your drill bits hoping you can find one that is close to that metric bit you just don’t have.  A glance at the conversion chart will have you as close to a fractional bit as possible in no time.

I’m a modern woodworker and in my shop where there’s a machine that speaks in decimals, you’ll find a conversion chart close by.  I machine mine in multiple sizes out of highly visible and easy-to-read plastic.  This keeps them from deteriorating and makes them easy to wipe down from time to time.  A quick search on the internet will bring up a large selection of charts to choose from, including the one you see above.  Pick your favorite, print it off, and your all set.

If you have the means to machine one with a CNC router or laser, then head over to the Branch Butchers free plans section and grab the digital files.  Machine a few up in your favorite material and put them all over the shop or even make a few for your buddies. 

Have fun, be careful, and remember “Make it Or Die Trying.”