I have a need for a couple of reasonably precisely ground surfaces. The metals dealer in my area sells an 8" x 8" x 1" Blanchard ground plate for $23. A couple of 4" x 8" pieces would do me quite nicely.
Can I cut an 8x8 Blanchard ground plate in half (using metal cutting bandsaw) to form two 4x8 pieces without encountering some sort of internal stress induces distortion of the precision ground surface? I'm assuming the Blanchard ground plates are formed from hot rolled steel which would tend to minimize internal stresses, but have never worked with them.
Any thoughts/advice appreciated.