veritas aluminum straightedge: somewhat dissapointed

For the $27.50 that tool cost, I wouldn’t expect NASA specifications. I think LV advertises .003 accuracy over the entire length of the tool. That ain’t bad for $27.50 (assuming its within spec).
You could probably get a Starrett straight edge with no milling marks….........but expect to pay a considerable premium.

I would call them and ask if they maybe had a problem with it. Can’t hurt to ask.

-- Bob K. East Northport, NY

I have one of their longer straight edges, I never noticed if it still had mill marks, and it does what I want it for, which is checking the jointer now and then.

-- Randy "You are judged as much by the questions you ask as the answers you give..."

My 36” is the same way, and it has never failed me in doing what it’s supposed to, including checking jointer table co-planarity with feeler gauges. For the cost it’s a great value and unless you’re trying to achieve machinist specifications, will do anything you need to around a woodworking shop.

-- Optimists are usually disappointed. Pessimists are either right or pleasantly surprised. I tend to be a disappointed pessimist.

I kind of like the marks on the bottom or the 48” one I use. It seems to sit and stay better than if it was glass smooth. I thought the marks on the bottom were deliberately put there…maybe I’ve been wrong all along LOL!

-- "Checking for square? what madness is this! The cabinet is square because I will it to be so!" Jeremy Greiner LJ Topic#20953 2011 Feb 2

Yeah, I’m probably overreacting on this. It does seem to be a well-made tool in all other regards, and I’m sure I can still use it in the shop. Thanks for the feedback. I’ll be changing jointer knives later today with it, so hopefully it will serve me well.

It is aluminum, not steel. It will be milled, not ground. Don’t want this to sound like a short answer, but that’s what it will be.
Ever seen the saw tops with that finish?
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

You could always take it to a machine shop to get it surfaced.

Just kidding. Bad joke. Sorry. ;)

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

curious – is this the back (wide) side? or the edge (narrow) side of the straight edge. Since the usability of the tool is with the EDGE (as in straight-EDGE) as long as the edge is within spec the machining on the back really has no play here.

that said – never hurts to call LV and ask.

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

0.003” TIR over 24” accuracy? In Aluminum??
I wonder how long they guarantee that to last? It’ll bend more than from the heat in your hand as you hold it.
Aluminum is very thermodynamic.

-- When the moderator chooses sides, his site sucks.

I’ve had mine for many years and it is machined as well. Actually, the machine marks give me a warm, fuzzy feeling that it is straight. I don’t know what tolerances it has or is purported to have but it works well enough for me and my “close enough” view of the world.

You’re kidding, right? You expected polished surfaces for $27.50?? Those mill marks won’t harm your straightedge in any appreciable way.

The milling was probably done with a liquid bath to prevent overheating. Polishing would probably distort the aluminum pretty badly due to localized heating during polishing.

-- Adversity doesn't build character...................it reveals it.