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Precision rules
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=52803		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Heath Blair [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 2:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Precision rules
Happy New Year’s, folks!

I have some discretionary funds available after the holidays and one of the things I’m looking at is a longer precision rule. It seemed like a great idea, until I started thinking about what I would actually use it for. I’ve survived a couple of guitars so far without a 36” rule and I’m wondering if it would be of much use. The Starrett 36” 7R rule is a whopping $240.

What do you guys use for guitar building? Is an 18” rule just as useful, measuring to/from 12th? I’ve really just used the Saddlematic thus far. Thoughts?
Author:  dpetrzelka [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 3:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
IMHO - It would not be worth the investment in a Starrett precision rule for me, as I either need the true precision measuring afforded by a caliper, or I'm taking more general measurements and marking with a .5mm mechanical pencil and don't get the benefit of the added accuracy of a steel rule.

The rules that I do use on every build are the Incra marking rules. I use both the 3" and 12" T-rule, the 18" marking rule and the centering rule.

It would be so cool if they made a 28 or 32" or 36" (bass) rule for luthiers.
Author:  Clay S. [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 3:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
At the suggestion of some of the people on this forum I checked out the "Blems" offered by PEC. Very nice rules with very small flaws and priced affordably. I bought a 2 ft rule with fractional inches and metric graduations. They offer a wide range of lengths and graduations.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Blem-Cosmetic- ... 1438.l2649


Edit: This discussion reminded me I was looking for an 18 inch rule for my combination square graduated in inch and metric scales - another blem bought
Author:  DennisK [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 3:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
Get the iGaging 36" straightedge. It's graduated to 64ths, and only $65. Good for measuring length, marking lines, checking progress when planing long things, and the back edge makes a great knife guide for slicing veneers and such.

18" is all you need for marking fret positions and positioning the bridge. I always measure from the 12th fret despite having plenty of length to reach the nut. But the 36" is much nicer for drafting instrument designs on paper. I also use it when preparing sides. I plane the edges straight, and then saw off any excess width in 1/4" strips to be used as binding on future guitars (and re-plane after each strip, so the bindings all have one good edge). The straightedge is used for checking the straightness and marking where to saw.
Author:  doncaparker [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
PEC Blem, for sure. Starrett level quality, very reasonably priced, due to cosmetic issues.

I use both rigid combination square blades and flexible rules. They are useful for different things.

I also have and use Incra rules, but I find I use them less, now that I have a good collection of things like 4" and 6" squares, and different length blades for my combination square. Those are just so handy and reliable.
Author:  James Orr [ Wed Jan 08, 2020 10:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
doncaparker wrote:
PEC Blem, for sure. Starrett level quality, very reasonably priced, due to cosmetic issues.

I use both rigid combination square blades and flexible rules. They are useful for different things.

I also have and use Incra rules, but I find I use them less, now that I have a good collection of things like 4" and 6" squares, and different length blades for my combination square. Those are just so handy and reliable.


This is what I was going to recommend as well. Look them up on eBay. My 36" 5R rule was $30. I also have a 24" in regular 4R, and various squares. They're blems because some of the graduations are a bit lighter---although in reality, it's hardly noticeable.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
I haven't checked prices for years, but I think some of mine are Mitutoyo stuff.
Author:  bluescreek [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 6:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
depends what you like
I have found that decent metal yard sticks work just fine.
I have many in the shop and some that I had cut to specific tasks. I have a 60 in scale that I use to calibrate the yardsticks.
I have found that with todays production controls even the harbor freight and home depot sticks are pretty darn good.

the most that I see is the trim may be long and you can even use a 6 inch scale to set them up.
As a machinist and tool maker , if your within a 1/10 of a mm you are plenty accurate for guitars.
Author:  SnowManSnow [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 7:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
Clay S. wrote:
At the suggestion of some of the people on this forum I checked out the "Blems" offered by PEC. Very nice rules with very small flaws and priced affordably. I bought a 2 ft rule with fractional inches and metric graduations. They offer a wide range of lengths and graduations.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Blem-Cosmetic- ... 1438.l2649


Edit: This discussion reminded me I was looking for an 18 inch rule for my combination square graduated in inch and metric scales - another blem bought

I have one of these on recommendation of folks here. Great value and very nice


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Author:  Ruby50 [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 7:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
I have several of the blems - 4" squares and various rules - and they are just fine. I was looking for a 6 inch rule with 4Grad (1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64) and they did not have any showing on the site - I wrote him and he said thanks for telling him and he did have some, and the one I got was perfect.

Ed
Author:  doncaparker [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
Going back to the original post, I find a long rule useful for two things: general drafting of a guitar plan, and bridge placement. I like being able to quickly draw a long center line for the whole guitar, and draw everything else around that line. For bridge placement, I use a long rule with one of those clamp-on stops, and that gets me a very precise way to make sure the bridge saddle is where it is supposed to be. Double/triple checking that placement via several methods is good security.
Author:  Paul Micheletti [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 2:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
I have a couple of Mitutoyo rules (24" and 36") that are plenty accurate for me. They run about half the cost of Starret. I like having two long rules as I place them against each edge of the fingerboard to accurately place the bridges centered on the fingerboard projection at the precise distance from the 12th fret to allow for compensation. I get great intonation and consistent spacing between strings and fingerboard edge that way. The 36" one is a bit overkill, but having two accurate 24" rules is something I'm glad I have.
Author:  Clay S. [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
Daniel Petrzelka wrote:
"It would be so cool if they made a 28 or 32" or 36" (bass) rule for luthiers."

So fat I've been getting by with a 24 inch rule, but I've thought about buying a 36 inch rule (or the 1 meter) and cutting it a little shorter. I'm not sure I could bring myself to do it.
Author:  CarlD [ Thu Jan 09, 2020 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
A 36" rule sure helped on a recent ABG build.
Author:  Tim L [ Fri Jan 10, 2020 12:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
I use a Westcott MR-36 Stainless Steel 36" scale that is cork backed and flexible. Very handy around finished wood and has a pre punched hole to hang it, so it stays up and out of the way. These are available on Amazon for a whopping $14.21, leaving the bulk of your discretionary funds in place. The lines are not as fine as a Starrett but they are clean and easy to read, with a loupe I can easily be within .005. With a Starrett rule under a scope I can easily repeat at .002. I have had mine for years and it has served me well.
It will not double as a straight edge as it is thin and flexible. If that is what you are looking for a piece of Starrett tool steel comes ground straighter than you will ever need.

T
Author:  James Orr [ Sun Jan 12, 2020 1:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Precision rules
Clay S. wrote:
Daniel Petrzelka wrote:
"It would be so cool if they made a 28 or 32" or 36" (bass) rule for luthiers."

So fat I've been getting by with a 24 inch rule, but I've thought about buying a 36 inch rule (or the 1 meter) and cutting it a little shorter. I'm not sure I could bring myself to do it.


Just grab one of the PEC’s or the rule Tim mentioned and do it. :)

I use my 24” almost exclusively. The 36” is perfect for setting bridge location or marking a bridge that’s already been glued for the saddle slot. Your multi-scales will thank you.


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