So is there a possibility of tipping on a 3 point stand? I'm considering a 24 x 24 plate. Probably the heaviest thing I would put on it would be 30-60 pound cross slides.
Three legged milk stools have been around a long time.
As ezduzit stated, the support for the three points would be the important factor. Most of the signage I've seen on the work benches or carts in machine shops always detail a **DO NOT** preceeding a list, with some type of physical harm done if said action was ignored. I think by the very nature of the surface plate being a precision tool, logic says we treat it with care. With that said; I stopped using "Would you treat your tools that way?" years ago.
I've seen plenty of surface plates supported on work benches and carts. I don't think I would be inclined to place one on a three point stand. Many websites show the plate inset into or surrounded by a protective frame to prevent a **what if**. My experience in fabrication is the employee struggle with when to use a level versus a square. It isn't necessary for the plate support to be precicely level, just structurally sound.
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