Starrett 24" Bevelled Straight Edge. Series 385, or 386? Advice please.

[Theo Hall]

It had a curve to it, which was bothersome to me.

You were right to return it, in that case!

May I ask, can you remember whether this was the 385 or 386 (thinner) version?

[Brian Holcombe]

It was 6’ so I think there is only one size of thickness available.

[david charlesworth]

I have used the 386 for many years, as have many of my students.
I have wooden blocks to keep it vertical, and move ends from sided to side to identify bumps.
It is superb, I would not like a thicker or heavier one.

Finally mine is plated, which means no rust, which is very important.

[Tony Zaffuto]

I have a 72" stainless steel straight edge, maker was B & H Specialties (USA), guaranteed total range of .005" over full length. Thickness is 1/8". Bought it several decades ago from either McMaster-Carr or MSC and I remember it costing me around $100.00, and was worth every penny.

A straight edge is one of those tools that should last you the rest of your working years. That was why I opted for the 72" years ago. I do have a couple of wooden straight edges that I've made-easy to check and easy to true and for most things, they're fine

[Erich Weidner]

What about the Veritas straight edges. Anodized aluminum. No rust, not too heavy. I have two lengths. If they aren't flat I don't know what flat is. (Or, if they aren't flat. They are beyond flat enough for me).

[Will Blick]

Well, straight edge costs are a function of the metal type, thickness and their guarantee of tolerance... adding a few thou of tolerance makes the price go up 5x
I have the 6ft Starett.... its crazy expensive, about $600+
380-72 Steel Straight Edge

But at Accuracy (in):
± .0002” per foot,
its about as straight as your gonna get. So about .001" over entire length


For my 8ft long jointer, its a dream tool for accurate set up. Getting that first side and edge FLAT, is something I do obsess about. Not required for all ww tasks for sure...
I have many of the smaller Veritas ones which I love for plane bottom flattening.... love the fact the Alum does not rust.