Cast Iron or Forged and Hardened steel

Starrett don’t make no junk.
Ifn I was a production tool maker, I’d probably spring for the forged jobby.
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

I don’t think it matters greatly for woodworkers.. Forged items are less brittle than cast items. Hardened items are, well, harder but more brittle. I have a Starrett combo square that has seen years of use in a machine shop and is still dead solid square.

-- Lee in Phoenix

I would also get the “satin” finish on the rule. It makes a huge difference in how easy it is to read the rule. It does not reflect the light, which is great especially if you are outside!

-- J. KUGEL Kirkland, WA

I’m from the “doesn’t really matter to a woodworker” school of thought. Starrett is a great tool.

-- The older I get the faster I was.

I have 2 Starrett squares, a 4” and a 12” combo. I have 3 other engineer’s squares, but I always grab these two. I agree with the satin finish recommendation. Starret’s also have a life time guarantee. I believe that’s for the life of the tool, which should be considerably longer than mine. They aren’t cheap, but this is a case where you are getting what you pay for.

-- Glen