layout tool suggestions

[Tyler Davis]

I am in need of a couple things to be more accurate in my work, both machine setup and measurements on wood pieces.

One is a straight-edge/ruler. I would like to get a combined one, rather than separate pieces. I believe most metal rules are not guaranteed to any straighness spec?

Most of the ones I've seen are either 24" or 48". I think 36" would be perfect - long enough to set jointer tables, but short enough to not be unwieldy when measuring/marking wood parts. However the only 36" straight-edge ruler I've found has machinist fractions (0.01") rather than imperial fractions (1/32", 1/16"). Can anyone point me to a manufacturer making an item like this?

Second, I need a set of squares. One 90-degree and one 45-degree should be sufficient for most of my needs. This includes setting blade angles and checking assembled parts for square. Does anyone know if the inside corners of a 90-degree square is spec'ed, or just the outside? In other words, if I want to check an assembled box for square, is the inside surface of an engineer's square any more accurate than a bisic combination square (which I have)? Again, any suggestions for where to buy a good set are appreciated

[Lee Schierer]

I think Starrett makes a 36" steel rule with 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 and 1/64 graduations Starrett (http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/groups.asp?GrpTbl=16&GroupID=210&GrpTab=Spec) that is straight enough for any cabinet work you would be doing. I'm not sure what their straightness specification is.

[Dave Novak]

Seems like I've replied to a couple different posts with this same response this week, and I'm worried I'll get labled a "woodpecker fanboy". But I can't help myself. Go to woodpeckers (woodpeck.com) and click on measurement and layout tools. I purchased a number of these both woodpecker and Incra products, and I believe them all to be of excellent quality and good value (for high-end stuff anyway). I've improved my wooworking greatly by adding a degree of accuracy I simply couldn't achieve before I realized that my layout tools need to be high quality too - expensive power tools just cannot correct innacurate layout.

[Scott Wigginton]

Seems like I've replied to a couple different posts with this same response this week, and I'm worried I'll get labled a "woodpecker fanboy". But I can't help myself. Go to woodpeckers (woodpeck.com) and click on measurement and layout tools. I purchased a number of these both woodpecker and Incra products, and I believe them all to be of excellent quality and good value (for high-end stuff anyway). I've improved my wooworking greatly by adding a degree of accuracy I simply couldn't achieve before I realized that my layout tools need to be high quality too - expensive power tools just cannot correct innacurate layout.

After reading this review (http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/serx24rvu.html) from The New Woodworker I'm eyeballing the SERX (http://www.woodpeck.com/serx.html#967) 24" for $45 (I think 48" would be a bit unwieldy as a ruler), it is accurate to 0.005" over the 24". I also would prefer a 36" for the straightedge and have also been looking at the Veritas Aluminum Straightedge (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=50074&cat=1,240,45313&ap=1) ($42 for 38") 0.003" over the entire length.

[Peter Quinn]

I have a starret 24" and 36' ruler in fractions, both are straight enough to set any machine and a pleasure to work with. I bought them from a vendor at a tool expo that sells starret seconds, so each has some minor imperfections that were clearly noted in red grease pencil when I purchased them. Saved a ton of money that way. Not sure where to find something like that on an regular basis?