Surface Plate

[1hand]

I found a surface plate and digital height gage real cheap on ebay, and was wondering what to use as a cleaner for the surface plate? Would Windex work?

Matt

 

[joeby]

Windex should be fine. Many people will recommend only using a surface plate cleaner, (this is granite, I assume); but I always liked Scrubbing Bubbles for this job.

Try to avoid any cleaners that leave a residue of any sort. It will amaze you how much dust and grit it will collect just sitting there.

Kevin

 

[bearcar1]

Windex will work fine and a clean, soft cloth. DO NOT use any of the bathroom or kitchen cleansers as most have some sort of mild abrasive in them. Also, paper towels aren't much good for them either. Do yourself a favor and build a box cover for it to keep the big chunks off during non-usage. The trouble with that idea is it then becomes too easy of a target to store things on ;D (ask me how I know :big


BC1
Jim

 

[1hand]

Thanks guys.

Jim,

I've had it now for about 7 hours, and I see what you mean. Very easy collection site. scratch.gif

Matt

 

[Metal Butcher]

Matt, I use Enco surface plate cleaner. Its cheap, and a bottle will last a life time.

I keep my big one covered with a soft clean cloth and out of harms way. The smaller lower grade check stand I usually cover with a piece of paper towel to keep dust, grinding grit, and paint over spray off.

Soft metals like aluminum will transfer onto the surface of a granite plate or check stand after its used a bit. I clean this transfer off with a non abrasive pink eraser.

I've heard that a light coat of thin non-detergent oil helps to protect the surface.

-MB

 

[Metal Butcher]

Here's a link to a surface plate cleaner. Add it to you shopping list for a future order.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=640-0080&PMPXNO=941327&PARTPG=INLMK3

-MB

 

[1hand]

That is reasonable. Thanks buddy! Thm:

Matt

 

[DICKEYBIRD]

Do yourself a favor and build a box cover for it to keep the big chunks off during non-usage. The trouble with that idea is it then becomes too easy of a target to store things on

I built a plywood cover for mine and put my buffer and supplies on it so there wouldn't be as much room to collect other stuff. ;D

It's mounted on a homemade cart with casters & shelves to allow it to store part of my scrap pile along with the height gage. The wood top comes off in a flash for quick access to the rock for layout work.

 

[1hand]

Dickeybird,

That's a great idea. Thm: Gives me some Ideas. :noidea:

Thanks

For the meantime, the towel will do.

Kinda like the flowers in the shop.......... :

Matt

 

[bearcar1]

Kinda like the flowers in the shop.......... :

As long as it doesn't say "hers" on it you are good to go.... otherwise..... :hDe:


BC1
Jim