Trying to put a straight edge on several long, thick boards and hoping
there is a good way of using a router and a jig that someone could
recommend.

I don't have a jointer which might be the easiest way but might go ahead
and build a router table with adjustable fence if anyone has had good
experience with jointing boards using this method.

I know some will recommend a #7 hand plane and i have been running up
and down the length of the boards with my #5 Stanley and think I'm
getting a fairly square edge on a couple of boards but don't think I
need any more exercise for a while.