Just out of interest, what's the best/locost option for a flat surface reference? Various Youtube engineering videos shows the use of a big block of granite for measuring flat surfaces, blade sharpening surface, etc. Would a kitchen worktop piece work?
Just use a plate of glass. The thicker the better, less chance of you breaking it if something gets drop on it.
Davew823
quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
Various Youtube engineering videos shows the use of a big block of granite for measuring flat surfaces
glass is quite flexible, it's smooth not flat
Ive got a bit of plate glass, 3/8 thick, and that seems to be flat,
might not be 100% flat, but near enough to get a straight edge, and check cylinder heads
It all comes down to the level of accuracy you require - a tool room would require a first-rate cast iron job that weighs a ton and costs a
fortune.
If all you want to do is check the flatness of a piece of engine that usually seats against the block with a gasket then a good piece of new, thick
float glass is more than sufficient. I use a chunk of marble hearth that is more than sufficient for my needs.
You could always buy 3 raw castings and make your own cast iron surface plate (3 plates, to be precise) if you have a lot of time, know how to use
marking blue and know how to use a scraper! LINKY
The'old' standard cheap option for model engineers was the glass plate from a photocopier.