Again, thanks guys for the comments. I will difinitely stay away from making straight edges out of steel.
I will also attempt a more modest size to experiment with, considering the cost of materials and the time involved with scraping.
I think I will try making a 36" straight edge by epoxy welding two 1x2 gray iron strips into a 'T'. Then, I will get all sides ground and hand scrape to finish.
Also, is it inevitable that some deeper scratches will show up on the surface of the workpiece when scraping? I am able to get the workpiece surface to that shimmery, smooth look; but, when I look at it from a certain direction, I notice some deeper scratches. |