Surface Plates - Grizzly Grade B 9" x 12" x 3" vs Woodcraft Grade A 9" x 12" x 2".

[Fixall]

I'm getting ready to pick up a surface plate and I was just wondering if there was any particular reason to get one over the other. Grizzly is based in my town, so shipping isn't an issue. Both surface plates are effectively the same price.

I am leaning towards the Grizzly because it has a ledge and it seems like that would make it easier to pick it up.... However, because it's an inch thicker than the Woodcraft, it's 12lbs heavier, so maybe it would still be a pain to lift. I can't imagine the extra thickness would be in any way beneficial. It's also a grade B, while the Woodcraft is a grade A. But again... I can't imagine the difference between .0001" accuracy and .00005" accuracy is appreciable in knife making. Of course, I don't really know what I'm talking about, so there's that.

The specs for the Grizzly are:
9" x 12" x 3"
Grade B (.0001" accuracy)
38lbs
ledge

The specs for the Woodcraft are:
9" x 12" x 2"
Grade A (.00005" accuracy)
26lbs
no ledge


I'm also open to recommendations on a decent center line scribe.

Thanks!

 

[HSC ///]

you are correct, - the difference between .0001" accuracy and .00005" accuracy is not appreciable in knife making.
If I were looking for surface plate, a larger surface area then 9x12 is what I would want.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Both will work the same for your needs. I'd go with the Grizzly.

TIP:
when sanding on a surface plate, spray the stone with some water or Windex, then lay down your sandpaper. The surface tension will hold the paper down rather nicely. No need for tape this way.

 

[REK Knives]

Grizzly has one without a ledge that's the same dimensions as woodcraft...

 

[Fixall]

you are correct, - the difference between .0001" accuracy and .00005" accuracy is not appreciable in knife making.
If I were looking for surface plate, a larger surface area then 9x12 is what I would want.

Great to know, thanks.

I was kind of thinking that when the time comes that I start making knives over 9" - 10" long, I can pick up a larger surface plate and relegate this one to permanent scale flattening duty.

 

[Fixall]

Both will work the same for your needs. I'd go with the Grizzly.

TIP:
when sanding on a surface plate, spray the stone with some water or Windex, then lay down your sandpaper. The surface tension will hold the paper down rather nicely. No need for tape this way.

Just ordered the Grizzly.

Thanks for the tip! I was going to use a temporary spray adhesive, but not having to deal with the adhesive buildup would be great.

 

[Fixall]

Grizzly has one without a ledge that's the same dimensions as woodcraft...

I saw that one. But in that case, I would just go with the Woodcraft since it's a little flatter and only like $5 more. I was looking at the one with the edge in particular because I was thinking it would make moving it a breeze since it kind of has built in handles.

 

[REK Knives]

Just ordered the Grizzly.

Thanks for the tip! I was going to use a temporary spray adhesive, but not having to deal with the adhesive buildup would be great.

Just a quick note... I use this method a lot but it depend what sandpaper you use. I have found rhinowet to slide around too much, and while the SiC paper I use from Phoenix abrasives (which is wet/dry) works much better (at a cheaper cost as well) it does curl up on you after a minute or two so you have to work fast. I'm currently playing around with some stencil adhesive which seems to be working REALLY well and doesn't leave residue behind.

 

[Fixall]

Just a quick note... I use this method a lot but it depend what sandpaper you use. I have found rhinowet to slide around too much, and while the SiC paper I use from Phoenix abrasives (which is wet/dry) works much better (at a cheaper cost as well) it does curl up on you after a minute or two so you have to work fast. I'm currently playing around with some stencil adhesive which seems to be working REALLY well and doesn't leave residue behind.

Right on. If it works out, you'll have to let me know which adhesive that is. Right now I have Rhynowet, Mirka, and Klingspor sheets on hand. I'm picking up the surface plate tomorrow and I'll see how the other sheets do.

 

[logem]

Save money. Buy one big plate that is within .001". Such as as an 18" x 18" within .001", That's pretty flat over that area and OK for folder work.