straightedge recommendation

[matthew]

Can anyone recommend to me a good straightedge? I'll need 24" minimum.

[Kim]

Matthew,

Blackwoods carry a 1mtr, precision ground, hardened, graduated straightedge from Boker in Germany. I am not sure what I paid now but I think it was around $70.00. It is steel so it is heavy and probably unsuited to a lot of task in lutherie. However I have found this tool to be an invaluable reference with which to verify the accuracy of other smaller lighter shop made straightedges and also machine tables etc and would buy it again tomorrow.

Then again, this article will probably provide just the solution for you.

http://www.leevalley.com/newsletters/Wo ... ticle1.htm

Cheers

Kim

[matthew]

that article is pretty cool kim. I'll see what suitable stock I have in the pile ...

[James Mc]

Hard to go past 940 series 50 X 25 X 3 rectangular box extruded aluminium as a good straight edge that isn’t too heavy. usually easy to find at the local metal recyclers like Sims Metal or a sheet metal shop. If not give me a hoy, I’ve got a couple of lengths here that I salvaged from an shop refit, happy to post a chunk your way.

Cheers
James