PostScript is a programming language that allows to define highly precise, real coordinate graphics, which I often use to directly print out geometric accurate pieces. This is a collection of hacks that might be worthwhile for others to use. Consider them (c) H.Zeller h.zeller@acm.org, licensed Creative Commons BY-SA.
All of these typically have a configuration section at the top that allows to modify the parameters. Just configure, verify in ghostscript and print out. If your printer is properly calibrated, it should print this in the exact measurements (beware certain PostScript -> PDF conversion with subsequent PDF printing: these programs often attempt to be too smart for their own good and scale the image to what they think the margins of the paper is).
For rotational applications, it is often needed to keep track of the
turns. The encoder-wheel.ps is freely configurable in radius and number
of segments displayed.
If you're soldering a lot of SMD parts and need to check measurements or
count leads, the smd-ruler.ps might be useful for you.
Little chart to get a visual understanding about the relationship between metric and imperial measurements. Made this in particular to get a visual mapping for screws and drills.
Just given a simple list of labels, create full-page labels that fit into a rectangular space best, using the largest font-size possible.
Just append at the end of the PostScript page. For instance
%%Page:
(Goggles\nGloves) show-max
%%Page:
(Drills\nMills) show-max
.. creates these
