"Bluetobb" wrote in message
om...
I am a beginner wood worker. I was told one of the essential tools
beyond any power tools is a good machinest square. So... I went to my
local Woodcrafters and purchased a $60 Starrett Machinest 6" square. I
was happy with my purchase and excited to use it to better set up my
TS. When I started using it to check alignment of the fence with the
miter slot I found what I think is a flaw but it might be so small
that it is to be expected and/or does not matter for what I am doing.

When I placed the steel ruler of the machinest square in the slot
width wise. As if I was ripping the ruler on the TS but had it stood
up on end. One end of the ruler fit in the slot perfectly and I could
not twist the ruler at all, it was locked in, the only thing I could
do was pull it up out of the slot. But when I put the other end of the
ruler in the miter slot at the same spot the fit was loose. I could
spin the ruler in the slot. I hope I explained this well if not I will
try again.

Is this a reasonable amount of imperfection in a $60 machinest square?
I am guessing it is only difference of less than 1/32 of an inch but I
am not sure. Any advice would be much apprecaited.

Thanks
Dan

You are saying that one end of the ruler is wider than the other?
While theoretically, the blade (ruler) could still be square with the body
on one side, the other edge of the blade would not be square. That would be
a problem if you were using the non-square side of the blade to check
something. I'd take it back and have them measure it with a caliper to
confirm your observation. Then have them check through the rest of their
stock to find one which doesn't have this problem. A 32'nd in one foot is
enough to make things not fit right.

-Jack