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RJT:
I think I use what you are considering a construction calculator. I have the “Construction Master III” by Calculated Industries. I had the “Master II” before this and then lost it somewhere. This was purchased years ago. I use it for my main calculator since it is so easy to operate. I use it for estimating; it has a Board Foot key. I use it for Diagnols and Hip/valley calcs.. ‘Though most of all, I use it for conversion of yards to feet or inches, or cubic to square ft.; this is all done w/ one simple key.
I couldn’t do w/out it. Hope they’ve gotten cheaper for ya. I think my “M III” was about $65 or so back in ’93.
OK, hope this helps.
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RJT:
I think I use what you are considering a construction calculator. I have the "Construction Master III" by Calculated Industries. I had the "Master II" before this and then lost it somewhere. This was purchased years ago. I use it for my main calculator since it is so easy to operate. I use it for estimating; it has a Board Foot key. I use it for Diagnols and Hip/valley calcs.. 'Though most of all, I use it for conversion of yards to feet or inches, or cubic to square ft.; this is all done w/ one simple key.
I couldn't do w/out it. Hope they've gotten cheaper for ya. I think my "M III" was about $65 or so back in '93.
OK, hope this helps.
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RJT,
Joseph Fusco
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*They have sure simplefied alot of my figgerin . I use it for every thing from figuring how much concrete I need for a footing to baluster spacing on a nice staircase , every rafter on a roof to squaring up that deck . Dont remember what I did before I bought one but I'm sure it took me longer . I've been told you can do the same thing's with a scientific calculator [ much cheaper ] , if you know the formula's .Like Joe said you can't go wrong , the CM IV does quite a bit more than my III does . Chuck
*cm 4 at tool crib for 65 plus a 20buck video.
* RJT,
Joseph Fusco View Image
*RJT,I've never owned one, not do I plan to buy one.Hasn't hurt me.Ed. Williams
*RJT,Get the desk sized one for your desk, and the pocket sized one for the job site. That way you can avoid leaving your calculator on your desk when you need it at work. Also in the winter keep the calculator in your shirt pocket, not in your briefcase where it WILL FREEZE.Jon
*I finally gave in and bought the const master iv. It is great for estimating, especially calculating perimeters, etc. because it does feet and inch addition, subtraction, etc. without having to convert to decimals. Also I have found it to be useful in calculating rafter lengths, keeping in mind on jack rafters the layout may be different from the actual field situation.
*No need for the video because it's simple enough to use as is? Can you, someone, list its functions? Is there a review somewhere? I don't recall seeing one in FH.Here's a typical problem in my work: dividing a set space (width) into equal parts, as in 36" wide into 2" spaces with 3/16" wide dividers. A headache with a regular calculator. Any easier with the CM?
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Get one for yourself, buy one for all your lead men, but NOT for the laborers; you wouldn't want them wasting time figuring how much they ain't making when they hear about those budgets :)
translation: everyone borrows mine.
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Ed- That's what I thought, too. Then my Dad got me a CM IV for my birthday. A roof I will figure tomorrow has nine pitches, sixteen ridges, and six plate heights. I'll check the measurements in the morning while it's still cool, then go do the math in the shade. I used to hate the math. I'll be done in an hour if no one interrupts me. What you don't know can indeed hurt you. Thanks, Dad!
*If it works for you, then it's a wonderful tool.Ed. Williams
*They are great! I dont thinks there is a single function on my CMIV that I havent used. I love it for stairs, concrete volumes, arc lengths, but mostly for roof calculations. The only thing it could use now is a headroom formula. If your looking for an estimating tool go for one of the measuring wheels. Never used one myself, but my lumber salesman can do a takeoff in no time.
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does anyone use one, and if so, do you recommend it? How do you use it, like mainly for estimating?