I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight
across this length. (found some particleboard scraps about 2 metres,
but as I sighted down the long edge, I could see some dents, as well
as a small curve in it.

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

thanks for your advice...

Marton Czebe

Marton Czebe asks:

I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight
across this length. (found some particleboard scraps about 2 metres,
but as I sighted down the long edge, I could see some dents, as well
as a small curve in it.

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

Usually, wood, but it tends to require some preparation as most commercial
boards aren't straight enough.

Failing that, iron or aluminum is useful. Aluminum is more easily dented, but
is easier to handle. Some say angle iron (or aluminum), but I tend to prefer
bar stock, as there's less likelihood of the angle piece interfering with
whatever you're trying to do (by catching on a low handle or a cord).

Charlie Self
"Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for
President. One hopes it is the same half." Gore Vidal

Marton Czebe wrote:
What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)


Do a google search on "cutting guides". A cursory look shows most of them seem
to run about $50 or so. I've been using an aluminum extruded guide for about 25
years that I paid considerably less for. I just clamp it to the panel and run
the circular saw (or router) against it.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN


http://www.mortimerschnerd.com

Marton Czebe wrote:
I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight

How straight do you need - what deviation ("tolerance")
from mathemical straightness would affect your project?

BugBear

Hi Marton,
I use a 1" square piece of aluminium tubing. Normally works great but
as Charlie says, even at 1" it can interfere with certain cuts. Cheers,
JG

Marton Czebe wrote:

I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight
across this length. (found some particleboard scraps about 2 metres,
but as I sighted down the long edge, I could see some dents, as well
as a small curve in it.

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

thanks for your advice...

Marton Czebe

On 27 Sep 2004 00:34:08 -0700, (Marton
Czebe) wrote:

What do you people use as a reference straight edge?

For that size, I use a piece of box section aluminium extrusion. I
think it was meant to become door or windo frames, but I got it cheap
from a scrapyard.

--
Smert' spamionam

my brother works in a medal working shop he got me a piece of 1/4 scrap
aluminum 8' long by 4"wide. he said it was cut off and would be trash
anyway.



"Marton Czebe" wrote in message
om...
I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight
across this length. (found some particleboard scraps about 2 metres,
but as I sighted down the long edge, I could see some dents, as well
as a small curve in it.

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

thanks for your advice...

Marton Czebe

On 27 Sep 2004 00:34:08 -0700, (Marton
Czebe) wrote:

I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight
across this length. (found some particleboard scraps about 2 metres,
but as I sighted down the long edge, I could see some dents, as well
as a small curve in it.

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

thanks for your advice...

Marton Czebe

i hate to admit this, but I use an old garage door part... not sure
what you call it, but it's a 2x3" aluminum channel about 8' long that
the chain used to run through..

I used to use a 2 piece aluminum cutting guide called "the edge" or
something, but it was pretty flexible and hard to store..


Mac

A sheet of carefully selected MDF is gonna be
VERY straight. 1/2" or 3/4"... Rip a piece to the
size you wish making note of factory edge.

You "might" find a metal stud that is quite straight
also. These are a little harder to come by but can
be bought in most buidling centers.

Marton Czebe wrote:

I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight
across this length. (found some particleboard scraps about 2 metres,
but as I sighted down the long edge, I could see some dents, as well
as a small curve in it.

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

thanks for your advice...

Marton Czebe

Just a slight comment on all the straight edge guides. Instead of just
sighting along the length, lay it down and draw a line along the edge. Then
flip it around and check the line. This will at least give you a good idea of
what you're dealing with before using it.
GerryG

On Mon, 27 Sep 2004 15:50:23 GMT, mac davis wrote:

On 27 Sep 2004 00:34:08 -0700, (Marton
Czebe) wrote:

I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight
across this length. (found some particleboard scraps about 2 metres,
but as I sighted down the long edge, I could see some dents, as well
as a small curve in it.

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

thanks for your advice...

Marton Czebe

i hate to admit this, but I use an old garage door part... not sure
what you call it, but it's a 2x3" aluminum channel about 8' long that
the chain used to run through..

I used to use a 2 piece aluminum cutting guide called "the edge" or
something, but it was pretty flexible and hard to store..


Mac

"Marton Czebe" I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight
fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing.
snip

My preference is a 2" x 2" x 1/8" x 96" long aluminum angle which translates
arrroximately as follows:

50mm x 50mm x 3mm x 2.44 m.

Add a couple of C-Clamps and you are in business.

HTH

Lew

Pat Barber wrote in message ...
A sheet of carefully selected MDF is gonna be
VERY straight. 1/2" or 3/4"... Rip a piece to the
size you wish making note of factory edge.

You "might" find a metal stud that is quite straight
also. These are a little harder to come by but can
be bought in most buidling centers.

If you go this route, I'd recommend the heavier gauge metal--it won't
flex in the middle.

Dan

On Mon, 27 Sep 2004 23:39:24 GMT, "Lew Hodgett"
wrote:


"Marton Czebe" I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight
fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing.
snip

My preference is a 2" x 2" x 1/8" x 96" long aluminum angle which translates
arrroximately as follows:

50mm x 50mm x 3mm x 2.44 m.

Add a couple of C-Clamps and you are in business.


I do the same, but my chunk of aluminum is a channel. It's not
straight in the checking jointer tables for co-planar sense, but it
makes a great tool guide.

Barry

On Mon, 27 Sep 2004 22:03:00 GMT, GerryG wrote:

or the high tech method... I finally found a use for that $9.99 laser
line projector I bought at HF.. lol

Just a slight comment on all the straight edge guides. Instead of just
sighting along the length, lay it down and draw a line along the edge. Then
flip it around and check the line. This will at least give you a good idea of
what you're dealing with before using it.
GerryG

On Mon, 27 Sep 2004 15:50:23 GMT, mac davis wrote:

On 27 Sep 2004 00:34:08 -0700, (Marton
Czebe) wrote:

I bumped into a problem this weekend. I needed a straight fence of
above 2.3 metres in length to do some edge routing. I couldn't find
anything in my small and basic shop that I knew was TRULY straight
across this length. (found some particleboard scraps about 2 metres,
but as I sighted down the long edge, I could see some dents, as well
as a small curve in it.

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

thanks for your advice...

Marton Czebe

i hate to admit this, but I use an old garage door part... not sure
what you call it, but it's a 2x3" aluminum channel about 8' long that
the chain used to run through..

I used to use a 2 piece aluminum cutting guide called "the edge" or
something, but it was pretty flexible and hard to store..


Mac



Mac

(Marton Czebe) writes:

What do you people use as a reference straight edge? (preferably
something that stays straight for a while...iron, aluminium?)

I have a phenolic straight edge that I got because I was concerned
about the durability of aluminum (and the phenolic was affordable,
though not as cheap as other things discussed in this thread).
Subsequently the place I got it from (McMaster-Carr) has quit selling
phenolic straight edges. I wonder why?

Here is another time-tested solution:
http://www.womeninwoodworking.com/ti...ingpoints7.cfm
I have two I made from 1x3" auuminum box glued to 1/4" hardboard. One
other mod - leave an inch or two of hardboard on the "back" side for
clamping, so your clamps don't interfere with the saw or router.
Better yet, leave enough hardboard on each side so you can use one
side for your saw and one for your most common router setup. Trim the
guide with the tool you will be using it with, and the edge can be
used to set the position to your marks.