Granite Suface Plates, Used vs New

[precisionist]

I Want to buy a toolroom grade-B Granite Surface Plate. I have always used High Quality Brand Names Like Starrett, Challenge, ZEISS etc. at my place of employment. I have surfed ebay for two weeks and placed bids on many different ones including some (Gulp) "imports". I have not won any bids because it seems that the winning offer is at least always 75% of what new plates cost and the freight is killing me from the Lone Star or Golden State to Hoosier land. Any luck with Import Plates from discount suppliers like J&L, Enco, Travers Tool? Looking for 18"X 24"X 3"or4". Sure would like to here some feed back from fellows like yourself who know. Thanks in advance, Brett.

[debequem]

I just got two Starrets for $35 for the pair at a locaal tool auction. Got a Bridgeport, too, but that's another story.

Marv

[Michael Az]

I bought one of the cheap imports from enco the size you mention years ago. For a home shop it has worked out very well for me. I think the cost was less than $100.
Michael

[wierdscience]

I have both a Yuasa and a Grizzley,my Starrett straight edge can't tell them apart.

[gvasale]

I haven't followed e-bay on surface plates, but I did buy an 18x24 with stand on sale from Enco. The stone was much nicer than the stand. The freight charges were as much as the stone and stand if not more. $100 or so for stand and stone, from PA (I think) to Ma.

[precisionist]

Thanks for the reply, think I'll will try the Enco if my latest bid on ebay fails tomorrow. I'm new to the HSM&MW site, just registered about an hour ago. This is going to be great! fellows just like me that understand and I can talk to. Thanks a heap. Brett

[SGW]

At one point I think Starrett surface plates were "free freight." I don't know if that still applies.

[precisionist]

If that is the case I might consider forking over the cash. I would like a black one. What is the deal with the crystal pink other than it comes from NC.
And is that if you buy from authorized Starret dealers? They don't sell direct?

[mendoje]

Regarding Enco, if you can, it pays to wait for one of their free shipping specials, especially for something like a surface plate. My last order was free shipping for a milling vise, 10 gallons of solvent and a parts cleaner, a couple gallons each of spindle and way oil, lots of drill rod, and an import surface plate.

[Thrud]

Brett

When you buy a Starrett from a dealer they are shipped prepaid to you - a pretty good deal over all.

I bought an old custom made Mitutoyo Machine grey granite with a HD stand for the price of the stand by pestering the Mitutoyo district manager at a show. It pays to ask bold questions at times!