>>I just don't know if the measurements made by a trained scientist and those made by the average beekeeper would be of comparable accuracy.
This is a mechanical measurement; you don't need a scientific background. I use calibrated calipers (I have a set of jo blocks certified to several millionths of an inch to verify my measurement tools) that increments .001 in. (or 0.025 mm). I worked as an inspector of optical and mechanical parts when I was in college. If it means anything, a Swiss parts supplier used to say 'Waldemar ist sehr genau!' and the Swiss excel in accuracy.
Waldemar
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