Woodpeckers has come out with a new One Time Tool – 3 sizes of steel straight edges. The straight edges are available in 12″, 24″, and 36″ lengths. They’re 2-1/2″ wide and 7/32″ thick, and have tolerances of 0.0002″ per 12″ of length.
Each straight edge has 3/8″ hanging holes, and the larger models have machined slots for easier gripping.
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Straight edges are typically used to gauge flatness or alignment in other tools and machinery.
Pricing: $60 for 12″, $100 for 24″, $150 for 36″, $300 for the set
Order Deadline: April 23rd, 2018
Shipping ETA: July 2018
Promo Video:
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
More Info(via Woodpeckers)
While aimed at woodworkers, I don’t see why these straight edges couldn’t be used for other applications.
Here are some competing products:
Taylor Toolworks via Amazon
Woodpeckers aluminum straight edge rulers via Amazon
Veritas aluminum straight edges via Lee Valley
Veritas steel straight edges via Lee Valley
Starrett straight edges via Amazon
First Thoughts
While prices a little high, the cost seems reasonable. Straight edges are precision milled and ground, and it takes more time, effort, and quality control to get high tolerances.
That said, do you need high tolerance?
I have a Veritas aluminum straight edge that I use on occasion – their 24″ model. It was $27.50 back in 2011 when I bought it, and is currently $31.50. Its tolerance is 0.003″ over the length. Woodpeckers’ tolerance is 0.0002″ per foot, so 0.0004″ over 24″. That nearly order of magnitude difference in tolerance, not to mention the steel construction vs. aluminum, makes the Woodpeckers’ $100 price tag understandable.
A Starrett 24″steel straight edge is currently $93 at Amazon. It’s 11/64″ thick, 1-13/32″ wide, and is also spec’ed to 0.0002″ per foot accuracy.
Personally, I feel that a highly accurate steel straight edge might be good to have, but I’m still happy with my less accurate aluminum one. I might upgrade at some point, but now’s not the time. If I were looking to buy my first straight edge, maybe I’d feel a little more excited about this One Time Tool. Then again, if I were looking to buy my first straight edge, I’d probably find the lower-priced aluminum straight edges more compelling.
I suppose that Lee Valley’s steel straight edges might be a good middle ground. Their 12″ and 24″ steel straight edges are a lot thicker than the Woodpeckers ones – 1/4″ – and the 36″ is a lot thicker, at 3/8″. They’re not as wide, though, at 1-1/2″ compared to Woodpeckers’ 2-1/2″. Veritas’ steel straight edges are ground to higher precision than their aluminum ones, but fall shy of Woodpeckers’ stated specs. They’re prices a lot lower.
Hmm. I actually find myself on the fence now, thinking about picking up either brand’s 12″ straight edge. Veritas’ is $40, Woodpeckers’ is $60. A 12″ length might see more use than my 24″, for things such as checking the flatness of small tool surfaces, water stones, or planes.
Woodpeckers’ preorder window closes in 20 days, and it so happens that Lee Valley just kicked off a 2-week free shipping promo, on $40+ orders. That gives me time to determine whether to buy one or not. Or, I’ll probably just add the Veritas 12″ steel straight edge to my wishlist, for future consideration.
J.B. says
I’m new to the woodworking game so take this for whatever, but wouldn’t one want more functionality out of something like this for this price? Meaning a level, ruler, etc.
Joe Smith says
Woodpeckers stuff is mostly for people who enjoy premium tools and have money to burn. They do make some unique items and their build quality is certainly high. But a lot of it will end up as decoration in some retired guys shop.
Think of these sorts of tools as jewelry/purses/shoes for men. They do serve a practical purpose but you could get a cheaper one that is just as functional.
Stuart says
Depends on the tool.
One Time Tool dowel press? https://toolguyd.com/woodpeckers-dowel-press/ That’s definitely not a beginner tool.
Their woodworking rulers? https://www.woodpeck.com/woodworkingrules.html They’re not too pricey. The 24″ is $33.
Before that, I had an Empire 36″ ruler as my go-to layout tool. It’s currently $7-10 on Amazon. At the time, I spent $2.54 (what a punny price for a ruler).
The Empire is a flimsy floppy ruler, but it got the job done. The Woodpeckers is sturdy and accurate, and it gets the job done better.
To add similar functionality to the straight edge, Woodpeckers likely would have had to increase the price to where buying a separate straight edge and ruler would be more economical.
Stuart says
There are straight edges with rulers. Woodpeckers has some aluminum ones, and I know Starrett offers their steel straight edges with plain, beveled, or beveled and graduated edges.
I prefer separate rulers and straight edges. That way I don’t have to worry as much about dinging my rulers a little bit. Some rulers are compatible with special accessories, such as end stops, and so you get a little extra functionality.
Plus, more functionality often means higher costs. These are premium priced as it is.
I bought a basic ruler, then a good ruler, then my aluminum straight edge. I bought other ruler sizes or styles also once I knew what I wanted or needed.
These straight edges are supposed to be high precision reference tools. It’s the kind of tool I would use and then put away in a safe location. But a woodworking ruler, that’s the type of tool I’d keep on my workbench.
fred says
I usually grab one or more of my Starrett combination squares to use in setting up machinery or for use as a straight edge. I know that the blades may not be ground as precisely as some dedicated straight edges – but the combi-square is also used to check for 90 and 45 degree settings.
I have 6, 8, 12. 18, 24 and 36 inch (blade length) combination squares hung on a overhead rack – handy for use in my shop.
BTW – if you want to buy the Veritas variety – Lee Valley is doing one of their free shipping deals right now,
EJ says
It could be pure luck but the rulers of all my combination squares are not very straight.
My first combination square was an Empire bought from HD. One edge of the ruler is very straight, the other isn’t. My second was a Starrett, and both edges of it aren’t straight. I liked the build quality so I kept it and bought a Mitutoyo. This one is about the same as the Empire. All three of them have very good sqaureness.
James C says
I can’t imagine how much they would charge for something like this with measurement markings and level bubbles… better not give them any ideas.
Nathan says
that level of straightness is beyond the scope for woodworking in my mind. In fact it’s a touch beyond most metal shop work.
at 7/32 they are a touch too thin for me to consider them a long time calibrated edge either. As you said most are narrower and thicker. Of devices I’d spend the money on that starrett product long before these.
Unless woodpeckers is going to say what steel they used. That would make a touch of difference. OH and for the money buy a quality 24 inch metal level for your first straight edge if you need one. it’s plenty for the purpose around the home and useful.
and like you – I use an AL product I think it might be from empire but I could be wrong. It’s old.
Diplomatic Immunity says
“that level of straightness is beyond the scope for woodworking in my mind. In fact it’s a touch beyond most metal shop work.”
I think your comment hits the nail right on the head for me as well. I get wanting accuracy in woodworking…. but do you really need machine shop level and beyond type accuracy when it comes to working with wood?
fred says
I think that in woodworking precision and repeatability are usually more important than accuracy. You want 2 opposing sides of a drawer to be close to the same size. You don’t need them to be within 0.001 inches of some standard length. Its often better to cut parts that are meant to be identical at the same time or with the same setup (fence stop etc.) – rather than obsess over measuring with some platinum-iridium ruler.
Wonderful furniture was built by skilled craftsman – long before anyone had the ability to machine straightedges to being flat within a gnat’s hair of true.
Stuart says
True, but small inaccuracies in tooling or tools can compound against each other.
In joinery, there is a very small dimensional difference between “too loose,” “just right,” and “too tight.”
fred says
Interesting.
My 45 year old Starrett 12 inch is really pretty good. I laid it on a granite surface block years ago – and there was no perceptible gap along its length. I have not tried the others – acquired over several years – against a known standard – so I might have the same issue as you observed.
fred says
Joiners (journeymen carpenters) were also sometimes called fitters. To get good joints – especially by hand – you often sneak-up on a good fit. Start off cutting away from a line – then use a shoulder plane (as an example) to get to a good fit. You can do this with hand sawn or chopped dovetails as well – paring them down for a good fit.
Joe says
Over the top, I think. Better options unless for some reason you need that little more of a precise tool. They do sell a lot of interesting, sometimes not needed tools.
Jon B says
Hi Stuart. I know this isn’t related to the above post but do you have any news or ideas on the upcoming Milwaukee M18 Announcement? I received an cryptic “Coming Soon” email from them earlier today. I’d be guessing possibly dual M18 battery tools coming out.
Love the site.
Thanks
-JonB
Stuart says
https://toolguyd.com/milwaukees-next-generation-battery-tech-advanced-discussion/
I was thinking of posting about the new newsletter teaser, but there’s nothing new. If I did know something, it’d likely be protected by NDA, but I don’t.
There has been no added details, hints, related trademarks, or anything of the sort.
What seems most likely? New compact, XC, and HD battery packs built with 21700 cells? Maybe 4.0Ah, 8.0Ah, and 12.0Ah battery packs? If so, how will it affect tool compatibility? Weight? Size and balance?
M18x2? That’s certainly possible too.
M18x2 10″ table saw? 12″ miter saw?
There are 3 next-gen corded-like cordless power tool solutions currently on the market, or coming soon.
Dewalt FlexVolt
Hitachi MultiVolt
Makita 18V X2
Bosch recently came out with new 36V tools.
Many brands have new 18V battery packs with 20700 or 21700 cells.
What could Milwaukee possibly do differently? How are they going to innovate in the space? What competitive advantages will their developments offer users?
Well, we’ll know in 5 weeks or so – that’s when their NPS18 media event will be. What can be gleaned before then? Unfortunately, not much.
MT_Noob says
I don’t think I can squeeze one of these into my budget from Woodpeckers. Although I would like to have at least one trustworthy and reasonable straight straight edge. I think the Veritas one is “good enough” for my needs. While I ‘d love to have a super accurate straight edge, I don’t need anywhere that level of accuracy/precision. Yet.
Thanks for the other suggestions, I’ll be checking those out. I do need at least one decent straight edge, and I’ll also need one decent machinist square.
Jim Felt says
Stuart!
I just love reading your not so slowly evolving thoughts on the acquisition or not of each new tool that pops up. Then fred points out the logic of good ol’ Sterrett and someone else uses the man purse analogy.
And yesterday I found a US source for all(!) the OLFA tools and their respective replacement blades. At a decent discount!
Carry on as (96 year old) Prince Philip might say.
Stuart says
With some of these posts, I think aloud in First Thoughts. I look into alternatives, consider pricing, and think about how I’d use the new tool, or have used something like it.
While pricey, this doesn’t have a “discretionary spending” type of premium that some of Woodpeckers’ other One Time Tools have had in the past, such as the $400 dowel press.
It seems that the cost is reasonable, at least in my opinion.
The question isn’t whether the tool is expensive or just right for what it is, which is the question to ask about some of the other One Time Tools. The question is whether one needs 0.0002″ per 12″ precision or not.
I don’t think I need that high precision, at least given the other options with similar functionality.
But compared to the Veritas that I started favoring the more I thought about it, these are wider, which some users might appreciate.
It’s always tough to think about these One Time Tools, given their “order NOW or miss out” nature. The urgency can create a bias.
fred says
Wider can be better for a straightedge if you are trying to level a set of objects along a path. Leveling frets on a guitar comes to mind. Old-style levels – like those that Sands Level & Tool used to make – where the casting was ground and lapped – fit this sort of task.
fred says
My prior comment came from seeing my barber – his shop also sports an area for his hobby as a part-time guitar-maker – work on the neck of a guitar. A little Googleing – and I came across this straight edge:
https://www.amazon.com/FretGuru-Precision-Sanding-Leveling-sandpaper/dp/B00QD5EDB8
RCWARD says
Saying those are a little “pricey” is an understatement to say the least, if you aren’t a high end furniture maker or just have money to burn these won’t even be considered . Very nice product but not even close thinking about buying those
VladFineCraft says
You can get set of 4 from LeeValley/veritas for $200.. these are as good if not better
RKA says
You’re not going to use these against wood to check for flat and straight, you’re going to use these on your tooling. Hand planes (if you’re refurbishing an old one or having issues with a newer one), table saw, jointer beds, etc. In those applications you do want to set up your surfaces with the tightest tolerances you can.
That said, for those wanting something budget friendly, Lee Valley aluminum SE’s are hard to beat. For more precision, LV’s steel SE’s. Beyond that, Starrett, period. I’ve got a few Woodpeckers tools that are less than perfect, no reason to pay Starrett prices and roll the dice with WP. This is an odd introduction from WP considering the price and existing readily available options.
Joe Smith says
2-4 ten thousandths is complete overkill for any of those applications. The lettering/coatings on a lot of saw blades are probably thicker than that.
You are talking about tolerances in precision machining there. Not woodworking.
Mike K says
Sure it’s just those tolerance cause that is what the machining they are using is. Some guy was like “hey look this new machine will do .0002”, then someone threw a red tag on it and called it a special tool.
I’d be interested in having my machine shop quote something similar. Now a days with some of these new mills it’s amazing what they can do pretty easy. Bet it would be about the same.
RKA says
Agreed. What matters is the total variance over the length of the straight edge. 0.0002” is rediculous and even 0.0006” on a 3 ft SE is still unnecessary for these applications. But LV’s offerings are accurate to within 0.001-0.003” over the length, which is helpful in machinery set up.
My point was to address those individuals that see no reason for anything more accurate than a ruler.
Mike K says
At home, a good ruler is probably plenty for most without big tools. This won’t do you much good with a circular saw.
Once you get into any stationary tools having something like this is great. People saying it isn’t for woodworking are right. You aren’t goign to lay this across your wood top. But you will 100% use it for setting up the tools cutting said wood. A dial indicator will also change your life with tool set up.
If you get into machining this would barely be called straight.
fred says
Flattening the back of a chisel or the sole of a plane or are tasks that sometimes need to be performed – and at very at least checked when a new tool is put into service. I think Stuart also mentioned the need to flatten water/oil stones as they wear during sharpening. Checking the top of a new table saw, miter saw or other piece of machinery is also a good use for a quality straight edge. As other have noted – there are options available.
ktash says
I assumed this was used to set up tools like jointers. I was just on the Lee Valley site and looked at the Starrett ones before I saw this post. The Woodpeckers special edition tools partly rely on scarcity, having a limited time to purchase, etc. But with these other options out there, I don’t see how these would be better.
I do love their 24″ t-square and 1281 square, waited years to buy them and now use them all the time. Those, along with some engineering squares, work fine for wood, checking for straightness, square, etc. on a miter saw or similar tools. Don’t see the need for anything straighter for that.
Bob says
How does this compare to the other straight edges that they make? For example, the
SERX-36 STRAIGHT EDGE RULE . They cost considerably more.
They may be more accurate, but I wonder if it makes any difference.