bmarsh
Plastic
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2010
- Location
- San Antonio, TX
I acquired a used CMM surface plate which I will use in my shop as a general surface plate. The dimensions of the plate are 56” x 52” x 6” thick black granite. The plate was originally supported on a stand at 4 points with felt pieces. The only adjustment available are at the stand feet. Upon inspecting under the plate I noticed ther are 5 threaded inserts all 1/2-13. Three of these inserts are located at the approximate Bessel points that you might expect. The other 2 threaded inserts are a mirror of the 2 point side. I thought this was odd.
My question: why would the original owner have supported at 4 points instead of 3 and why only use a piece of 1/2” felt instead of an adjustable foot or something similar? I don’t think this plate is big enough to need more than 3 support points. I’m a little confused since the plate manufacture took the time to install 5 thread inserts. maybe this was for transportation purposes or some other reason? My plan was to support on the 3 Bessel points and have the plate checked/ resurfaced if needed. Any reason not to proceed with this approach?
My question: why would the original owner have supported at 4 points instead of 3 and why only use a piece of 1/2” felt instead of an adjustable foot or something similar? I don’t think this plate is big enough to need more than 3 support points. I’m a little confused since the plate manufacture took the time to install 5 thread inserts. maybe this was for transportation purposes or some other reason? My plan was to support on the 3 Bessel points and have the plate checked/ resurfaced if needed. Any reason not to proceed with this approach?