Surface plate alternative

Brian Avila

Brian Avila

Joined
Jan 2, 2011
Messages
1,286
I was curious if anyone has used float glass as an alternative to a granite surface plate? I was also curious on how flat float glass is?
 
Brian,
I'm not sure what float glass is? But If you are talking about using different materials to put on a Platen besides Pryo glass? .
I can tell you some of the best stuff was a box full of a bathroom tile I found in the alley. I cut it to width on a tile saw and with some double sided tape was good to go for many many knives!
 
I use a toolroom grade granite surface plate for measuring and I use a section of a granite countertop for other purposes like flattening parts with sandpaper. The countertop granite is only flat to within about .002" per foot and it still works great. I think the glass would be more flat. I know a lot of makers use a thick piece of salvaged glass instead of an expensive surface plate.

Bob
 
So I will be trying to make some folders, soon, hopefully.

My father passed off a really big glass plate that he said was float glass. From my understanding float glass is made by running molten glass over molten metal. This process makes the glass pretty flat. My dad used it to sharpen his wood working planes and other blades.

It is pretty big and flat, I just don't know how flat or to what tolerance. I was hoping to use it as a surface plate to flatten parts but didn't know if it would be "acceptable" or if anyone else has done it. My searching hasn't brought up any tolerances for float glass.
 
It's spread onto molten tin. I've seen this process and it's super cool.

It's supposed to be pretty damn flat... but a granite surface plate is cheap. You can get a 9X12X3 for super cheap when on special at places like Enco... especially since you can still get a cheap shipping rate on that size.

Pretty interesting if you're into crap like this (which most of us are, LOL!)

[video=youtube;JJcHMmkjlA4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJcHMmkjlA4[/video]
 
NickWheeler said:
It's spread onto molten tin. I've seen this process and it's super cool.

It's supposed to be pretty damn flat... but a granite surface plate is cheap. You can get a 9X12X3 for super cheap when on special at places like Enco... especially since you can still get a cheap shipping rate on that size.

Pretty interesting if you're into crap like this (which most of us are, LOL!)

[video=youtube;JJcHMmkjlA4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJcHMmkjlA4[/video]
Click to expand...

That is super cool. Thanks for showing that. I have a small surface plate and I could use that. But my dad just gave me this float glass and its pretty big and nice and would give me a little more space to work on compared to my small surface plate. So I figured I would ask.
 
You may be able to get for near free a cut out sink in granite from a shop making counter tops. This will really do the job, but even a sheet of plate glass will work well. Frank
 
How thick is your glass plate ?
I'd say use it, especially if it's your father's.



I've used glass as a surface plate


I've got a piece about one foot square and 3/8" thick that I pulled out of the dumpster at a glass place.

I also have another thinner one that's mirror -


I glued it down to a piece of MDF so it's easier to handle



It's flatter than any eyeball and straight edge I have, but I've never put an indicator on it.



If you want a granite surface plate, sign up for Enco's email coupon notices

As Nick said (good to see you Nick)

they not only go on sale, but they qualify for a free shipping coupon.


I've got one I bought locally - same idea for $35
12 x 18 x 3"


They have this and a FREEUPS shipping code right now

Inspection Surface Plates
Length (Inch): 9
Width (Inch): 12
Thickness: 2
Grade: B
Material: Granite
Unilateral Tolerance: .0002
Color: Black
Number of Ledges: No Ledge

Model #640-0100
Low Price: $42.79 ea
 
Duh!
I got it now! I've also used a 1/4" piece of regular window glass to check for flatness of blade profiles, scales and such.
 
I use glass all the time but...I work with glass daily and have a lot of it on hand. I use it for sanding blocks as well as plates to check flatness.
 
Frank Niro said:
You may be able to get for near free a cut out sink in granite from a shop making counter tops. This will really do the job, but even a sheet of plate glass will work well. Frank
Click to expand...

...or a workshop that makes cemetery markers (headstones, etc.)
They always have cutoffs and pieces that are polished and dead (har har) flat.
 
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