| Review by TheGman | posted 699 days ago | 2833 views | 1 time favorited | 9 comments |  |
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- Veritas Aluminum Straightedge (38")
- Brand: Veritas | Category: Other
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I just purchased the VERITAS 38” Aluminum Straightedge from Lee Valley. The straightedge was shipped in a sturdy cardboard tube that I’ll continue to use as a place to store the straightedge to prevent any damage in the shop.
I had a very good first impression once I removed the straightedge from the packaging. It has a very nice finish, which looks great and feels nice in your hand. Its contour makes it very easy to grip and handle.
To check the straightness of the straightedge I used .5” reference blocks to support the straightedge on its ends on a machinist’s granite surface plate and a precision dial indicator (see pictures). The straight edge measured within .0005” at each ends with a .0015” deflection in the middle, easily within the specified .003”. I also performed the same procedure with the reference blocks placed closer to the center. The straightedge then measured within .0005” across the whole length, meaning that the .0015” deflection initially observed was actually sagging caused by the weight of the straightedge.
I then performed the same tests on my 4’ Harbor Freight level. The level measured .00015” at each ends with a .003” sag at the center. Even though this is impressive for such a cheap level, it is very flexible and very little pressure causes the center to sag dramatically more.
I purchased this straightedge in order to align my in- and out-feed tables on my jointer. I have an INCA 570, which has relatively short tables (40”). Because I need over 20” of the straight edge to be suspended over the in-feed table, the amount of sag is very important in your accuracy. This is the primary reason why fiberglass levels, even very straight levels, are not adequate for the job.
For anybody with longer jointer tables, who may be considering the 50” model, I would recommend you to consider the VERITAS steel straightedges since the amount of sag that you may experience when using the aluminum model may dramatically effect the accuracy of your table alignment.
All in all, the 38” inch model is perfect for my needs. If you have never purchased a precision straight edge before, the $39 price tag may scare you. But, compared to other precision straight edges on the market, this is a good value.
9 comments so far
TheKingInYellow
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233 posts in 1728 days
#1 posted 699 days ago
I have the same straightedge and my tolerances are just as good. It’s truly a reference quality tool which makes the price more than reasonable to me.
-- I'm just learning how to cut the stuff with some other stuff...
coloradoclimber
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547 posts in 2265 days
#2 posted 699 days ago
I have this same straightedge. I keep it stored in the cardboard shipping tube it arrived in leaned mostly upright in the corner.
The straightedge has a hanging hole at the end and I’ve always wondered would I be better off storing the straightedge hanging by the hole under it’s own weight instead of leaned in a corner.
Figure that 99.99999999% of the time the straightedge is leaned in the corner, sometimes for years at a time.
What are the chances of the straightedge getting a bow, kind of like when you go to the big box stores and find that all of the lumber stored on end has a significant bow.
How do you gentlemen store your precision straightedges?
live4ever
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980 posts in 1207 days
#3 posted 699 days ago
I have this straightedge and it really is a great value.
@coloradoclimber – I’ve been hanging mine from the hanging hole…
-- Optimists are usually disappointed. Pessimists are either right or pleasantly surprised. I tend to be a disappointed pessimist.
karlhead
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6 posts in 890 days
#4 posted 699 days ago
I have used industrial straight edges for years, some were older than me they were always hung to prevent bowing. And they were reference quality grounded polished steel. I’m a millwright by trade and like machinist we were though to take very good care of our measuring tools and strait edges.
Just my two cents worth Karl
TheKingInYellow
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233 posts in 1728 days
#5 posted 699 days ago
Yup, hung by the hole as well.
-- I'm just learning how to cut the stuff with some other stuff...
Bertha
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12906 posts in 890 days
#6 posted 699 days ago
That seems like a reasonable price for a quailty reference edge. I spent $50 plus shipping on a Masterplate, so I can’t complain too much about the price. Thanks for this review!
-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog
jayman7
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207 posts in 1703 days
#7 posted 699 days ago
I have the same product and it’s great!! I have it by the hold as well.
lashing
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104 posts in 1018 days
#8 posted 699 days ago
I have the steel version. I like steel for this purpose. Its flat. I have had an issue or two with Veritas but not once did they not just take it back and replace. WHich is why I shop with Lee Valley. If you have a problem – no arguments.
Dusty56
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10727 posts in 1885 days
#9 posted 698 days ago
Thank you , I’ve been shopping for a quality straight edge : )
-- When did quiet and quite become the same word ? I'm guessing about the same time as your and you're did.
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