I'm gonna be checking the block deck for warpage, and I would like some ideas of what could be used for a straight edge.

Large aluminum carpenter's T-square. Usually sold for less than $10 at the big box retailers known for illegals to hang out in front.

I do have a level. I think it's 24 inches. Would that work? I suppose the T-square would be more accurate, though.

>>>*Starrett, those are straight. Most typical squares aren't.

*One small area that is off a thousandth of an inch can equal several thousandths in warpage of a casting. Those tiny hard to see spots are close to number one for early gasket failures.

I also use a small dead straight edge for close checking around bores, etc, with a bright light behind it.......*EB

What's that (how is it different, except that it is smaller), and where would I find one?

I believe it's one that doesn't have any other markings on it.

I'm Grizzly Industrial Hardware fan, but Harbor Freight or Grainger might have something too.

The keyword here is accuracy; you are inspecting a surface to determine if machining is needed to true it back up. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Here's another; gives you a fair idea on how it's used for this application:
http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/wdpkrser24rvu.html

>>>*Dad is off someplace (5 bukks says fishing) so I will try to explain.

I have one of those cheap little pocket rulers, the metal kind with the slide on it? I checked it with my starrett and it is nice and straight.

I think I got this one at Napa for about 2 bukks.

Nice and easy to use for detail checking with a light behind it, any tiny flaws or gaps show right up.

Tod

Starret is very reliable tool. I used to use an aluminun square and bubble level when doing woodwork only to find out that there were not straight. Keep in mind if you are buying a reliable straight edge, don't just toss it in the tool box or bang it around. You want to baby it so you don't lose that edge.

Yep, treat it like you would a torque wrench- those aren't the tools you want to fling if you get honked off. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />

>>>*I remember heading down to the ranch for haying season about 10-12 years back. My younger brother had been working on the engine in our old Ford tractor and had the 24" Starrett out, left it laying on the counter.

We had an old Heston hay mowing machine, the bracket holding up the belt drive broke so my oldest brother found an absolutely PERFECT chunk of steel.

*Yep, welded that straight edge on to hold the drive up, he never turned it over to see the logo on the other side....*LOL**..

*"Well...it worked good!" He said after I got over throwing the fit.

It's still there, still works good, nice $180.00 bracket..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />...

I just went and bought a new set, 12", 18" and 24", I keep them hidden in a drawer at the Portland shop.....*EB