Cheap surface plate

Are you looking for flat material to do some wet sanding or to use
with a surface gauge? Run to your local building surplus store and
buy a granite tile. I purchased a 12" x 12" tile for a paltry $2.50,
and it’s ground to a tight tolerance from end to end. Make sure to
bring a machinist square or level with you to verify the tile’s
flatness.

Jeff Herman