Bob,

Others have addressed the wood being flat issue for you but since you said
"When I shine a light behind my Starrett, it is always off by a few thou.",
it in-fact could be your Starett. The typical straight-edge is only
guaranteed to .002 in 12" in. So how much do you really think you're off?

Bob S.


"Bob" wrote in message
om...
Hello:

I have struggled to a point way beyond frustration to get a surface-
any surface dead-on flat. I have used the marking the high points
method and used every plane scrub, jack, jointer, smooth, scraper,
etc., No matter what I do I can't get it 100% flat. When I shine a
light behind my Starrett, it is always off by a few thou. Is there a
way to get a surface truly flat using hand planes and a scraper? It
almost seems impossible. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks!

Bob