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Author: Subject: Locost flat surface plate
Slimy38

posted on 26/8/18 at 10:56 AM Reply With Quote
Locost flat surface plate

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?
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davew823

posted on 26/8/18 at 11:36 AM Reply With Quote
Surface plate

Just use a plate of glass. The thicker the better, less chance of you breaking it if something gets drop on it.
Davew823

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mcerd1

posted on 26/8/18 at 03:20 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
Various Youtube engineering videos shows the use of a big block of granite for measuring flat surfaces

they are called surface tables / plates - very precise flat surfaces for precision measurement to be used with a vernier height gauge (or better)
made from granite, glass or cast iron depending on your budget

how accurate do you need it to be ?

[Edited on 26/8/2018 by mcerd1]





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Mr Whippy

posted on 27/8/18 at 11:30 AM Reply With Quote
glass is quite flexible, it's smooth not flat
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steve m

posted on 27/8/18 at 04:15 PM Reply With Quote
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





Thats was probably spelt wrong, or had some grammer, that the "grammer police have to have a moan at




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David Jenkins

posted on 27/8/18 at 06:10 PM Reply With Quote
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






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hughpinder

posted on 28/8/18 at 08:04 AM Reply With Quote
The'old' standard cheap option for model engineers was the glass plate from a photocopier.
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