Measuring a complex part without a surface plate

[kenne]

(07-21-2014, 07:22 AM)Mayhem Wrote: I often see people using DTIs or DIs to measure parts and they almost always do so with the part being measured and the indicator stand on a surface plate. So, what options are there for those of us without surface plates?

I haven't got a good example in mind right now but I'm thinking of parts where using a mic isn't an option.

I had a nice surface plate for a long time , but space and money caused me to part with it . I needed the space as it was 4'x4'x8" and weighed a lot more than I could pick up , and someone offered me the right amount of money for it .
Then i needed it the next day (as usual) , So I went to the countertop dealer in town and bought a piece of Granite about 2'x2'x2" and made a stand on wheels for it . It works just as well and cost very little , under $50 , as I remember . It is still in the shop at the test site , I plan to build another soon and take photo's of it this time .