Leveling Machine

[crazy^millman]

Level is not as important. They put machines on submarines and they run fine.

[35K chipper]

this is what i use. www.optodyne.com/opnew4/mcv2002web.html

 

 

35k

[connormac]

The Starrett Level is worth the money. When we moved location of our shop, me and another guy leveled 13 machines. It helps with 2 people. Do like everyone says -check level, be sure the machine is on 1 piece of concrete. And take your time. The closer you get it now the less trouble you will have in the long run.

[Oppiz]

quote:

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Level actually does not make a BIT of difference.

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A time when level is important is some machine's coolant and lube systems won't flow correctly if the machine is sitting unlevel.

[Jayson Kramer]

So john I am still waiting you coming to get my level?

[BlackOnyx]

One point I have found useful, to "simplify" leveling, is to select only three pads/adjusters, to initially level the machine, pick three which make a sensible balance triangle for the machine, then by adjusting only these three points, you can control the tilt in any direction, once these three have got the machine level, then nip the remaining pads, watching/moving the level constantly, to complete the task and remove any twist in larger machines.

Also, keep in mind, that larger machines may be constructed of more than one part, for example the column might be bolted to the bed of the table, then the bolts need to be loosened, and the bed and column leveled separately, then bolted back together once leveling is complete.

Leveling, is less guessing (how much and where to tweak), if you have two levels, at 90 degrees to each other, and two people, one to watch the levels, and one to tweak the adjusters.

If you try to use more than a triangle, you will likely become frustrated at your ongoing lack of achievement.

[horsepowered]

^^^^^^

+1000 that is how I was taught to do it!

[Jmick]

Blackonyx is right on point. I would also add that you should use a good tenths indicator when you tram in the head. Most manufacturers recommend .001 over 12 inches. Also relevel after a couple weeks to see if there was any settlement.