what would you use for a straight edge that you know is a true straight edge to check a head to see if its warped?

not tryin to be a di ck but i'm looking for someone who has done this not someones opinion of what to do. thanks!

 

Use a straightedge that is calibrated by the manufacturer to be flat with 0.0002 inches (0.005 mm) per running foot length. For example, the straightedge may be 24 inches (61 cm) long. That means the machined edge must be flat within 0.0004 inches (0.010 mm) from end to end.

 

where might you get something like this?

 

Hack Saw Blade or a steel ruler

 

^^^that wont do any good, they are not calibrated to be straight. If you do decide to go that route, swing by a machine shop and see if they will check it against their straight edge. You will proly be surprised at how not straight a ruler really is. Dont forget your feeler gauges

 

i know to use the feelers gauges, but i wanted to know what i could use that was 1. long enought to check the head completely across and diagonally and 2. would be a "true" straight edge. i guess i could take it to a machine shop, but i was going to try and do it myself. i think i've got enough common sense to do it lol. and if i had the straight edge i could always have it to check in the future instead of having to take it to a machine shop and pay to get it checked every time.

 

Pay the machine shop and let the experts tell you it's ok. You don't want to be pulling the head again next weekend do you ? and waste the HG.

 

you can buy a straight edge...I think they are only 60-70$

 

very good investment

 

www.snapon.com Search GA438A
This is in my tool box. Good investment.
Good luck.

 

what price should one expect from a machine shop for rendering such a service?

I'm taking my head to a shop tomorrow, just making sure I don't get robbed

 

snap on

 

If your worried about your machine shop raping you, you're going to the wrong place. my guy charges me 50$ to disassemble, clean, and inspect everything, as long as it isnt caked with 1/2 inch of crud.

 

Agreed, but any tool guy should have one. My MATCO straight edge was $80.