GraemeVW
Member
- Messages
- 1,648
- Location
- Chesterfield
Bit of a rambling thread this.
I'll start by saying my need for ultimate precission in flatness and straightness isn't very high.
But, I make alot of things, and a flat surface is always handy. My kitchen worktop workbenches can't be relied upon.
I also don't really need a huge surface plate either, although if one turned up for free, I'd be very happy.
What I have just acquired though is some free granite worktop.
I have 1 piece that is 1.5m long, 600mm deep and 28mm thick. This has now become the bench top to use when I want to make stuff that's flat. Well, normal world flat, not engineering flat. Its the flatest surface I have anyway.
Sticking it on my bench has shown just how non flat the bench is!
This situation has made me wonder a few things
First, how to support this slab as there is a huge dip underneath it. I'll probably put some flexible tile adhesive under it and let it find it's own place, unless anyone has better ideas.
Second, I wanted to check how 'not actually flat' this granite is. I guess the simplest way is with a straight edge? Just curious, I don't need to use lasers and mirrors! But maybe it would be good to know.
Thirdly, that made me realise I don't actually have anything I know is straight! My steel rules are cheap, banged about, probably just stamped out or shear cut, and were no doubt never that straight to start with. Are cheap 1m straight edges worth buying? I've only really seen ones by maun, about £70 for 1m.
I sometimes see old second hand ones from good makes, but who knows how straight they are now!
I may still keep an eye open for a small surface plate, or, I do have other bits of granite, maybe I could try the whole lapping 3 plates thing. But that's a different subject altogether!
I'm not using it to blue up parts, scraping stuff, or using it for ultimate reference. But every workshop needs a flat surface and this is the best I've got.
I'll start by saying my need for ultimate precission in flatness and straightness isn't very high.
But, I make alot of things, and a flat surface is always handy. My kitchen worktop workbenches can't be relied upon.
I also don't really need a huge surface plate either, although if one turned up for free, I'd be very happy.
What I have just acquired though is some free granite worktop.
I have 1 piece that is 1.5m long, 600mm deep and 28mm thick. This has now become the bench top to use when I want to make stuff that's flat. Well, normal world flat, not engineering flat. Its the flatest surface I have anyway.
Sticking it on my bench has shown just how non flat the bench is!
This situation has made me wonder a few things
First, how to support this slab as there is a huge dip underneath it. I'll probably put some flexible tile adhesive under it and let it find it's own place, unless anyone has better ideas.
Second, I wanted to check how 'not actually flat' this granite is. I guess the simplest way is with a straight edge? Just curious, I don't need to use lasers and mirrors! But maybe it would be good to know.
Thirdly, that made me realise I don't actually have anything I know is straight! My steel rules are cheap, banged about, probably just stamped out or shear cut, and were no doubt never that straight to start with. Are cheap 1m straight edges worth buying? I've only really seen ones by maun, about £70 for 1m.
I sometimes see old second hand ones from good makes, but who knows how straight they are now!
I may still keep an eye open for a small surface plate, or, I do have other bits of granite, maybe I could try the whole lapping 3 plates thing. But that's a different subject altogether!
I'm not using it to blue up parts, scraping stuff, or using it for ultimate reference. But every workshop needs a flat surface and this is the best I've got.