Slippery Straight Edge?

[BDAZ]

I have a 60" straight edge that's NOT from Harbor Freight. It's well made and painted yellow. I have just switched over to drum dyed veg tan for production and the grain and flesh sides are pretty smooth. When I make full length cuts I ennevitbly shift the straight edge. This happens on either flesh or grain side.

Any suggestions for making the ruler more non slip? It can't be too thick or it would interfere with the cutting. Some kind of self adhesive non slip sounds like the best route. Anyone have any experience or suggestions?

Thanks!

Bob

[DavidL]

home depot has long rulers w/ clamps for woodworking that can work

[Red Cent]

These are indispensable in my opinion. I use double shoulders and the first thing I do is lay two 36" rulers down, sight a straight line with a lazer, clamp down and cut the uneven bottom off very carefully. Then the draw gauge/strap cutter does the rest.

http://www.alltradetools.com/catalog/c-clamps/1401-835954-2-1-4-handi-clamp.html

[Hi Im Joe]

Was going to say clamps too...lol.

[BDAZ]

I have tried clamps in the past. The way my cutting table is set up, it not possible. I'd have to mod the table, plus I want to be able to cut at any angle to the table.

Thanks!

Bob

[Troy I]

What about cork or those anti-skid strips that you put on stairs?

[BDAZ]

Cork is a bit thick though it's an option. I'll take a look at the anti skid stuff.. Might be too rough and mark the leather.

Thanks!

Bob

[HippieLee]

how thin do sheets of neoprene come? I bet that would stick without marking...

[BDAZ]

I am also in the wetsuit business and neoprene is available in .5 mil. That might just do the trick but I'll have to find a source that sells in lees than full sheet quantities. Great suggestion!

Cya!

Bob

[billybopp]

I bought a 16" ruler with a backing that looks like it might be neoprene at an art supply store, and it works well. I have a 48" rule that slides around as does yours, and because of that I don't use it much. Let us know if you give that a go, and if it works well, maybe you can offer up strips for sale to offset your cost. It sounds as though a lot of people could benefit that way. Doing well by doing good!

I also came up with a creative, if expensive, solution to making beautiful long cuts. I bought a picture framing matte cutter. It does double duty around here since my other half does some custom framing, so the expense is justified for us. It also has the advantage of doing 45 degree cuts in addition to square cuts. That said, there are still times when the ol' 48" stand alone rule would be easier to use.

Bill