[TheForge] Re: Minimum Tools (RE: [blacksmiths] Hi, and so itbegins.)

[Andy Vida]

James Binnion wrote:
> 
> >       flat steel plate - for use as a lap.  Place abrasive paper on
> >       it and use for lapping pieces flat by hand.  I am a strong
> >       advocate of the slow and steady school of material removal
> >       in most cases.  Slow translates directly into CONTROL and
> >       when you're doing precise things such as fitting joints to
> >       within 0.001" by eye, slow is the way to go.  In the end it
> >       is well worth the time and patience spent.  If you can find
> >       a piece of 1/2" thick stainless steel plate, 12" x 24" and
> >       dead flat, you will have one of the most useful objects in
> >       your shop.  You should build a wooden box for it and treat
> >       it as if it was made of gold.  I'm very serious about this.
> >       It will provide a reference surface as well as a working
> >       surface that will enable you to do some highly precise things. MH
> 
> I agree completely that this one it is essential. However you can
> find very inexpensive granite surface plates for $50 or there abouts
> in the discount machine tool supply catalogs . Works just fine and is
> inexpensive. And since either one will be ruined by dropping or other
> rough handling I don't see any real difference.

	I was going to mention these, but the stainless is a little
	easier to deal with, especially in smaller spaces.  A little
	lighter, definitely smaller, and not prone to splitting if
	dropped, which one should never do in any event.

	I've seen then as cheap as $19 in black granite from Enco.
	A few years ago I almost bought a laboratory grade grey
	granite plate for $100, but it weighed something like 8
	tons.  It was beautiful.  Flat to 0.0005" over the 8 foot
	length.  Amazing.  Bet it's still sitting there, too.
	6 ft wide and 24" thick.  I was in love.