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steel ruler & compass recommendation

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cheechi

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Feb 29, 2012
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4,384
Location
Triad, NC
I really do not need a precision true steel rule and I know I can get a $30 Starrett on Amazon. If I happen to say 'steel rule' I don't mean literally a machinist steel rule. Just an old habit. What I'd really like is a recommendation of a good quality steel ruler that isn't crazy expensive. Cork back is nice but not 100% necessary. Well I have no shortage of places I can buy a ruler around here. And cheap. I haven't found more than one USA made ruler local. The one I found is a 48" from Ace that is $10. That's fine but if I could find a 18" or even 24" that would be more convenient for everyday use. I might buy that one to rivet to an upcoming workbench type project if it fits well.

I want a ruler and also a compass that can hold up to home shop type use. I saw Staedtler at Hobby Lobby and got interested but cautious. Yes it looked nice but wasn't surprised when I saw china on it. Might still buy it as it was decently good quality. Anyway that prompted me to think about it and come here for a suggestion.
 
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pendragon1998

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Mar 24, 2012
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NE Georgia
Taylor Toolworks on ebay has an excellent selection of made in the USA rulers and squares. Their cosmetic 'blems' are a super value. I bought a few blems and new PEC rules and was very happy. One of the blems was legible and was a Mitutoyo with a really minor paint defect.

You can get a vintage USA brand compass like Starrett, Brown and Sharpe, Union, or Goodell-Pratt for next to nothing on ebay if you look around a little and are slightly patient.
 
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four.cycle

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Oct 19, 2015
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Tacoma, Washington
^ I ordered a little shorty ruler from taylor toolworks on Ebay just before I logged in here. they've got a gazillion different flavors.

.... and don't forget chruler.com :thumbup:
 
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Outlander

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Quebec, Canada
I still have all my stuff from when I went to school to learn drafting. Comforting to know they are there to use when I need them. Thanks for the links, guys...I'll keep them handy for replacements.
 
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Steinmetz

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Oct 11, 2012
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Steinmetz

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Oct 11, 2012
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Look for an engine-ruled scale. This will permit you to set/measure the dividers using the scale. Some "quality" shop rules are simply painted or litho'ed, and will not allow a measurement to be easily transferred.
 
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cheechi

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Triad, NC
I generally use an engineer's scale for that Stein. I have one of those from my college days. Since mine were a bit more recent than some, that was the only tool I really needed to buy for paper drafting. I did a few 3 view/iso drawings of parts so I know what they were and then it was on to the CAD. Oh, kids these days.

Thanks guys. That lufkin might fit the bill, I'm looking at these blems on ebay now.

And no I won't be paying $50 for a compass. I'm sure it's really nice and all. I'm looking for something nice yes, but that will be on the wish list not the shopping cart you know what I mean? The general may fit the bill. Still looking around on my own but I'll take a look at any other suggestions. edit: that general tools compass gets murdered on amazon. back to the drawing board so to speak.

Also Stein, not sure I need a rule that works that way at least right now. I just want a nicer straight edge with nicer lines and to stop stealing the ruler from my combi square when I need one in another spot.
 
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lilcraigford

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Oct 19, 2014
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Location
Portland, ME
cheechi said:
...

And no I won't be paying $50 for a compass. I'm sure it's really nice and all. I'm looking for something nice yes, but that will be on the wish list not the shopping cart you know what I mean? The general may fit the bill. Still looking around on my own but I'll take a look at any other suggestions. edit: that general tools compass gets murdered on amazon. back to the drawing board so to speak.

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Click to expand...

Give eBay a shot. With some digging you can find older German made (Staedtler, Alvin, Helix, etc) compasses or drawing "instrument" sets for under $20. I know this because I've been looking off and on for a nice compass myself. :thumbup:
 
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cheechi

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Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
4,384
Location
Triad, NC
Thanks for the additional brand names to keep an eye for. And yes been looking on ebay here and there. Going to ramp it up and get something nice hopefully first quarter.
 
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Steinmetz

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Oct 11, 2012
Messages
2,274
Location
Washington State
cheechi said:
I generally use an engineer's scale for that Stein. I have one of those from my college days. Since mine were a bit more recent than some, that was the only tool I really needed to buy for paper drafting. I did a few 3 view/iso drawings of parts so I know what they were and then it was on to the CAD. Oh, kids these days.

Thanks guys. That lufkin might fit the bill, I'm looking at these blems on ebay now.

And no I won't be paying $50 for a compass. I'm sure it's really nice and all. I'm looking for something nice yes, but that will be on the wish list not the shopping cart you know what I mean? The general may fit the bill. Still looking around on my own but I'll take a look at any other suggestions. edit: that general tools compass gets murdered on amazon. back to the drawing board so to speak.

Also Stein, not sure I need a rule that works that way at least right now. I just want a nicer straight edge with nicer lines and to stop stealing the ruler from my combi square when I need one in another spot.
Click to expand...

Since you're looking for drawing instruments (U.S. made), consider Vemco. Look on ebay.
 
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four.cycle

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Oct 19, 2015
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Tacoma, Washington
^ if you really pick through those ads on Ebay you can find some very nice old German sets for a reasonable price.

(full old drafting sets with compass, extension arm, drafting pen, etc.)
 
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