Straight edge

[p8ntblr]

What straight edge do you guys use to set your tables (jointer, TS wings, etc)? I was thinking about the Lee Valley-Veritas Steel or Aluminum. Do you think the .002 tolerance difference between the steel and aluminum is a big deal. Also do you think the 24" will do or should I get the 36"/38"

Wacha think?

[LCHIEN]

i think somewhere in the back of my mind we had this conversation before talking about the straightedges from Woodpecker which were even more expensive.

I don't think that good levels are much less straight; sometimes they can be had for much less.

see this search result (two articles)
http://www.bt3central.com/search.php?searchid=263449

[sparkeyjames]

Starrett 24 inch rule. Accurate as all get out. Lines to 1/64. As straight as they get. Also just about as expensive as they get as well.

Ok I'm game same post for both threads.

[LarryG]

I think every shop needs a reliable reference straight edge. I've not found anything else that's good enough to be a stand-in.

I have the LV 38" aluminum model. At the time I got it, I don't think they had the 36" steel model, because I decided I'd rather have more length than a couple more thousandths of straightness. Or maybe they had the 36" steel but I decided the significantly higher price wasn't a good value. In any case, the 38" aluminum has done all I've needed it to do when setting up tools.

[Imadunatic]

holy mackeral, I think the .003 thousands shouldnt be a problem, im not sure I ever set mine up that close, and you have to remember that tolerance is over the ENTIRE length, less then a grand a foot!! I say go for the 50" aluminum, it must be the most accurate as they all have the same tolerance regardless of length, lol

Good luck with your decision,

Kevin