Comments on: Dealmonger: Granite Surface Plate For $110

By: Legodude

Legodude — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:22:24 +0000

Woodcraft has a 9×12, ‘A’ for $31 so if one is local no shipping…
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=4864

By: Nick Carter

Nick Carter — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:48:14 +0000

Often granite plates go relatively cheap at auction, and you don’t have to pay shipping, although you do have to haul the damn thing.

I bought my 2′x2′ Doall grade A surface plate at the local university surplus sale, where it was marked as “granite tile”.

But it is an essential in my shop as the basis for most measuring, reverse engineering and scribing operations. I use a smaller one I bought used for sanding as Kor says. Very handy.

Glass and gravestones will work, but they aren’t as accurate, if it really matters…

By: Kor

Kor — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:06:17 +0000

For lesser needs (smaller surface area) try the following from Lee Valley:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32526&cat=1,43513,51657
It’s a 9″x12″x2″ granite block with high tolerances. It’s $31.50 plus shipping. I use it for holding wet/dry sandpaper when sharpening chisels. It’s heavy, but not so heavy as to be a pain to move around and use.

By: Stuart Deutsch

Stuart Deutsch — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:05:12 +0000

I have read about people acquiring sizeable granite blocks for low cost from gravestone carvers who can’t use the smaller pieces.

Also, I wonder if glass would be a suitable but cheap alternative.