Straight Edge Or Machinist Level?

[Robertson's]

Im using a 9' aluminum straight edge & a 4ft level for installs currently. I know a lot of installers are all about the machinist level from starret. Does anyone have experience using both? Im wondering if itll will be worth it to replace my straight edge?

 

[matteroner]

Im using a 9' aluminum straight edge & a 4ft level for installs currently. I know a lot of installers are all about the machinist level from starret. Does anyone have experience using both? Im wondering if itll will be worth it to replace my straight edge?

have you seen this thread / sticky.?

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=54538

you need a carpenters level to put the machinist level on ....

a carpenters level WILL NOT get the table level ....just not sensitive enough ...

don't really know what the 9' straight edge is doing for you?

 

[OTLB]

where did you get that 9 ft, I want one, actually I want 2, very helpful in surveying the slate as a whole, also helps to define level rocking at seams. Hoping a Machinist level will sit on it....... would be a bonus I also use both

 

[RackemBilliards]

9' straight edge

www.the-flooring-connection.com has them, as well as other flooring and carpet places. The carpet guys use 9' and longer straight edges. Straight edges are great for checking the whole slate at once to see how low the middle slate is, which is common even in new tables. Long carpenter's levels can make good straight edges, but aren't adequate as a level, IMO.

 

[RiverCity]

Im using a 9' aluminum straight edge & a 4ft level for installs currently. I know a lot of installers are all about the machinist level from starret. Does anyone have experience using both? Im wondering if itll will be worth it to replace my straight edge?

Robertsons???? Back in business and making tables again?
Chuck ------loves the Black Max

 

[PUTT4DACA$$H]

Use both

I use 2 starrett six foot straightedges along with several starrett machinists levels. You can dial the seams down to the thickness of a cigarette paper. on the starrett straightedge the 98 series levels sit on top of the beam and give you a read on how the three slates match up to each other.

be careful with cheaper, less accurate tools as sometimes they are not as true as the good tools. I think I paid $350 ten years ago for one straightedge and liked using it so much I bought another. I dont think you can get tables flat with the use of levels alone, I prefer to use them both together for the best results. Its the relation of the slates to each other as well as just being leveled that the straightedge allows you to see.

Good luck, sounds like your on the right track!!

Gordon
Las Vegas