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Thread: What's your favorite straight edge?

  1. #1
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    What's your favorite straight edge?

    I have a steel 24" straight edge that has a slight bow to it, and it's bugged me for 25 years. This is the type that's about 1/8" thick and one edge is beveled. I can get a "machinist's" version of the same thing, accurate to .001 over its length, from McMaster for about $115 or $64 without the bevel. I know that's overkill for woodworking, but reference tools should be dead on IMO.

    A carpenter's square doesn't stand on edge, and plastic rules are too easily dinged. What do you guys use?

  2. #2
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    Hi Dave,

    I have the Veritas steel straight edges:

    http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...40,45313,56676

    I like them and recommend them.

    PHM

  3. #3
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    I bought a Woodpecker precision strait edge with ruler. It was not cheap, but I love it and use it all the time. I keep it in the HD tube it arrived in.

    http://www.woodpeck.com/serx36.html

  4. #4
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    Ditto. Excellent straight edge.

    Quote Originally Posted by Keith Hankins View Post
    I bought a Woodpecker precision strait edge with ruler. It was not cheap, but I love it and use it all the time. I keep it in the HD tube it arrived in.

    http://www.woodpeck.com/serx36.html

  5. #5
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    My aluminum Unifence extrusion. I especially use it to check boards after jointing.

    Rick Potter

  6. #6
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    I have the Veritas 50 inch aluminum straight edge. I consider it essential for equipment setups. Here is a link to it.

    http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...240,45313&ap=1

  7. #7
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    I have 36" and 48" steel "circumference rules" that are used by sheet metal workers. I kept mine after I retired. One is 40 years old.
    No PHD, but I have a DD 214

  8. #8
    I was going to say Minor Threat, then I realized that I had misunderstood...
    Seriously though, any one that is the right size and acceptable tolerance will do the job. In other words, any of the above suggestions. Just remember to hang it out of the way and don't let anyone use it for anything but a straight edge. Ever.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rob Feldner View Post
    I was going to say Minor Threat, then I realized that I had misunderstood...
    Seriously though, any one that is the right size and acceptable tolerance will do the job. In other words, any of the above suggestions. Just remember to hang it out of the way and don't let anyone use it for anything but a straight edge. Ever.
    I would say don't let anyone use it ever - for a straight edge or otherwise. BTW - happy with my Woodpeckers SERX.

  10. #10
    I have the 36" from Lee Vally, it is steel and heavy and that is what I really like. When I set it on the table saw or router table it stays there and I can use a feeler gauge to slide under it without it falling over.

    I had an aluminum one that I gave away because it would not stay put when I hit it with a feeler gauge.

  11. #11
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    36" Lee Valley steel here. What Bill said.

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Cullen View Post
    I have a steel 24" straight edge that has a slight bow to it, and it's bugged me for 25 years. This is the type that's about 1/8" thick and one edge is beveled. I can get a "machinist's" version of the same thing, accurate to .001 over its length, from McMaster for about $115 or $64 without the bevel. I know that's overkill for woodworking, but reference tools should be dead on IMO.

    A carpenter's square doesn't stand on edge, and plastic rules are too easily dinged. What do you guys use?
    Call Mcmaster and see if they'll tell you if the 24" without bevel is a starrett. If it is, I'd have that as a short one (and do). I think it's a starrett no 380.

    Several years ago, I also bought a 48 inch 385 for a hair over 200 bucks. I have no *need* for a straight edge like that, but it makes planing edges (by hand) a joy. If someone else would've had one, I'd have been just as good off using theirs as a reference and making a straight edge out of much less expensive precision ground stock.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Keith Hankins View Post
    I bought a Woodpecker precision strait edge with ruler. It was not cheap, but I love it and use it all the time. I keep it in the HD tube it arrived in.

    http://www.woodpeck.com/serx36.html
    +1 on this! Woodpeckers makes some great reference tools. Their T-Square is great also!

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Art Mann View Post
    I have the Veritas 50 inch aluminum straight edge. I consider it essential for equipment setups. Here is a link to it.

    http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...240,45313&ap=1
    +1
    I could not slip a .002 shim anywhere along its length using my milling machine's 48" table as a reference.
    I also like that it will stand up by itself.
    Please help support the Creek.


    "It's paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn't appeal to anyone."
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  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bruce Page View Post
    +1
    I could not slip a .002 shim anywhere along its length using my milling machine's 48" table as a reference.
    I also like that it will stand up by itself.
    Quote Originally Posted by Art Mann View Post
    I have the Veritas 50 inch aluminum straight edge. I consider it essential for equipment setups. Here is a link to it.

    http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...240,45313&ap=1
    I have this one hanging on a nail on the wall and go to it all the time. Good price, fairly light, and does a great job.
    Wood: a fickle medium....

    Did you know SMC is user supported? Please help.

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