Re: Steel plate for hexapod bed

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Simon Arthur <chroma@m...>
wrote:

> I'm trying to install a decent flat, stiff bed on my hexapod.
>
> I bought a 24" x 24" x 0.25" piece of steel plate from Metal
> Supermarkets, but it's not flat. In fact, it curves away about 1/8"

at

> the edges. Is this expected from ordinary steel sheet, or should I
> demand my money back?
>
> How can I get a decent flat bed without spending a fortune for a

ground

> surface plate or spending the rest of my life scraping?
>
> Simon

A 24 x 36 granate surface plate is about $125 from Enco.

I'm sure the shipping it quite a bit more than for a book.

Also, considder just pouring concrete as a surface, you can locate
bolts and such with aimple fixtures.

There are a few floor leveling epoxies and other extreemly tough
compounds as well.

As alternatives, considder a marble counter top or old billiar table
slates.

If you can make a flat surface and lay a piece of glass on it, you
could use that to pour your concrete.

There are lots of options.

But, one thing I could think is that 1/4 inch steel is pretty light
in that size.

Call around to used tool/machine dealers to see if they have used
surface plates for a low price.

Dave