Expectations of a granite surface plate ...

[ETC57]

(03-06-2012, 06:12 PM)EdAK Wrote: Just some FYI from the Starrett web site.

"How should my surface plate be supported? Does it need to be level?
A) A surface plate should be supported at 3 points, ideally located 20% of the length in from the ends of the plate. Two supports should be located 20% of the width in from the long sides, and the remaining support should be centered. Only 3 points can rest solidly on anything but a precision surface.

The plate should be supported at these points during production, and it should be supported only at these three points while in use. Attempting to support the plate at more than three points will cause the plate to receive its support from various combinations of three points, which will not be the same 3 points on which it was supported during production. This will introduce errors as the plate deflects to conform to the new support arrangement. All Tru-Stone steel stands have support beams designed to line up with the proper support points.

If the plate is properly supported, precise leveling is only necessary if your application calls for it. Leveling is not necessary to maintain the accuracy of a properly supported plate."


I have a message in to Starrett asking if their surface plates are ground and polished on both sides. Based on what I read on their web site, I doubt they are but I'll post their response once I get it.

Ed

Thank's Ed,

Jerry.