For engineers and manufacturers, perfection is a must, and surface plates can give you the precision you need. For final layouts, inspections and even setup in machine shops and other manufacturing settings, surface plates, used with height gauges, surface gauges and other measuring tools, provide a reference point from which you can make all measurements.

Whether you prefer surface plates made of granite, cast iron, steel or even glass, or if you need small table-top sized surfaces or slabs weighing several tons, you can find surface plates that are right for your business. With accuracy of up to .0001 of an inch, surface plates give you the precision you need to assure that whatever you're manufacturing or building is as close to perfect as you can get. When shopping for surface plates, consider the following:

1. Choose from the most popular granite surface plates available.

2. Select cast iron or steel surface plates if granite is not your first choice.

3. Save by shopping for used surface plates.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rely on granite surface plates that really measure up to expectations

Granite has long been a popular choice when it comes to surface plates. From the most durable Crystal Pink to tough black granite, surface plates made of this material are long-lasting and reliable. Count on granite surface plates, of any size or thickness, for use in your shop or warehouse.

I recommend: Find smaller surface plates made of strong Crystal Pink granite and carrying cases to transport them to job sites at Manson Tool & Supply. Shop from a long list of black granite surface plates of multiple lengths, thicknesses and grades at MSC Industrial Supply. Mojave Granite offers many granite surface plates of various sizes and in laboratory grade, tool room grade or inspection grade.

Work from cast iron or steel surface plates for the accuracy you need

If granite is not your first choice, go with surface plates made of steel or cast iron. Cast iron, for instance, can be more stable than granite, and is still popular among some machinists and gauge manufacturers. Durable and long-lasting, cast iron or steel surface plates can be a viable alternative to granite.

I recommend: Get Grade A steel surface plates up to 12 inches long and two inches thick at Enco. Get a breakdown of prices for materials and options for any size cast iron surface plate designed and manufactured by Norton Equipment.

Stay within or even under your budget by shopping for used surface plates

If buying a new surface plate is too much for your budget, take a look at used plates. While they most likely need to be relapped or calibrated, granite, steel or cast iron surface plates carry a fraction of the cost of a new ones.

I recommend: MachineTools.com has a huge inventory of used black granite and cast iron surface plates, from table-top to slabs over six feet long and 12 inches thick, for prices well below those of new surface plates. Sterling Machinery Exchange sells used surface plates from well-known manufacturers such as Standridge, Enco and Mojave at reasonable prices to fit any budget.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Accessorize your surface plates for optimal use. Get covers, pads, cleaners, carrying cases and surface plate stands for table-top sizes.