On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 09:36:38 -0800, Steve knight wrote:

I did not say cheap. I just said not starrett.

Steve is correct. Check out the Mititoyo brand as well. Also Lufkin. Even
a General will be within .005 ... probably no more than a couple thou out.

There are also techniques for verifying & correcting straightness by
either direct measurement or by comparing them to two other reference
edges.

It's how the old-timers made their own straight edges and flats.

Bill