Do I need a (new) straight edge?

[BigguyZ]

OK, so I'm nearing the end of a complete shop re-organization. Once everything is in it's place, I plan to re-tune my table saw and band saw. Currently, I don't have much in the way of straight edges to set things up. I have these thin Groz rulers that I bought from Woodcraft, but I don't think they do too well as a straight edge (regardless of what the salesman recomended).

I also have one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-45-101...2334090&sr=1-9

Now even though I'm getting to the point of wanting to buy my tools once (i.e. I'm much more willing to pay for quality these days), I don't want to spend unecsessarily. So, I'm looking at this:
http://www.amazon.com/M-D-Building-P...334188&sr=1-26

Which is a good value, and better yet can be cut down on the TS to make multiple straight edges... Also, it looks a lot like this:
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.asp...FamilyID=20044

and is much less expensive than this:
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.asp...FamilyID=20145

I don't think I need anything silly accurate, as my skills and projects don't require that major a level of precision. Another thought was to buy a Stanley Fat Max level or similar that's ground to be flat and accurate. I know some people use those as straight edges too...

So yeah, do you think I'm good with what I have, and if not, what do you think is the best option to go with?

Thanks!

[cgallery]

Also consider these:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...at=1,240,45313

And these:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...at=1,240,45313

[BigguyZ]

Also consider these:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...at=1,240,45313

And these:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...at=1,240,45313

You see, this is why I go to you venerable people. I never would have checked Lee Valley, and the Alum straight edges seem like a pretty good deal...

[Tom Miller]

I use a 6' level as a straight edge routinely, mostly because I had it around. If you just want a straight edge, you may be overpaying for the Woodcraft, perhaps because it's ruled. Otherwise, Lee Valley has a 24" straight edge for ~$30.

Regards,
Tom
[Cripes, just how long was I working on this post anyway?!]

[SARGE..g-47]

I have a 24" Starrett but.. you don't need that as mine came from my BIL who is a machine shop foreman at Delta Air Lines. I also have the Lee Valley 30" aluminum which is excellent quality and price. And I use a 48" Empire True Blue level as Tom more or less does when longer is needed as on jointer and TS tops.

Sarge..

[leehljp]

I bought a 4 ft steel rule from an engineer's drawing supply when I was in high school (mid 60's) and still have it. It looks like the common aluminum ones available from many places, but it is steel and about 3/32 in thick and 2 inches wide. IIRC, it cost me about $20.00 then.

It is nearly indestructible and my longest owned tool! I found a place that sells them but today's equivalent is $111.95 now. (and the 4ft models below are 1 1/2 in wide instead of 2 inches.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?P...MITEM=319-3452

I have had a couple of aluminum ones over the years. One got bent and the other got lost!

[LCHIEN]

you need to decide if you want just a straight edge or a ruler as well.
I think the rulings cost you extra bucks.

I just use a 6 foot level from Lowes I got on clearance a while back.

[radhak]

I have been thinking like you for so long that I do not have a good straight edge still ! (not counting a couple of my levels, that do look pretty straight to me).

I'd definitely avoid the cheapest aluminum. It'd bend and warp pretty fast in my shop, seeing that my 'organized' state pretty much delusional . I guess the more expensive ones should be slightly sturdier.

[poolhound]

I also have a 48" empire true blue not as perfect as some things but better than most.

Depending on what you are using it for if you need something long and straight the factory edge of a sheet of MDF is pretty darn close.