I think that both metric and imperial systems are good for woodworking but I think you need to adapt the way you think of measurements depending on which you choose.
I like that using imperial you have a hierarchy of measures: wholes, halves, quarters, eights, sixteenths. It's clear and precise. You know that if you needing to measure 16ths or 32ths things are getting weird.
With metric you have similar measures but the hierarchy isn't strongly defined: 100s of mm, 10s of mm, then maybe 5s of mm, and 2s of mms.
As far as dividing a meter into equal thirds, you wouldn't use a ruler to do that, or at least I wouldn't.
I like that you can fairly easily use the metric system to measure something that was that was made with imperial measures. You can't really say the same for the opposite without a bunch of estimates and holding unmemorable numbers.
What I do wonder is whether there is beauty in the ratios you naturally get from using imperial measures when furniture making or designing building façades.
Sorry, I didn't express that well. I guess in that specific case I would use a ruler.
Normally I would take measurements from my pre-existing pieces instead of the ruler. It's more accurate because it accommodates for any slight inaccuracies.
// beauty in the ratios // I've watched some youtube tutorials on how to use a speed-square for framing out a roof, and marveled at how perfectly that tool is fitted to the job. I know they make metric speed squares, but I've never seen a video from a European carpenter using one.
I sure have seen some beautiful homes made with either system, however!
I like that using imperial you have a hierarchy of measures: wholes, halves, quarters, eights, sixteenths. It's clear and precise. You know that if you needing to measure 16ths or 32ths things are getting weird.
With metric you have similar measures but the hierarchy isn't strongly defined: 100s of mm, 10s of mm, then maybe 5s of mm, and 2s of mms.
As far as dividing a meter into equal thirds, you wouldn't use a ruler to do that, or at least I wouldn't.
I like that you can fairly easily use the metric system to measure something that was that was made with imperial measures. You can't really say the same for the opposite without a bunch of estimates and holding unmemorable numbers.
What I do wonder is whether there is beauty in the ratios you naturally get from using imperial measures when furniture making or designing building façades.