[modeleng] Re: Levelling problem.... what to do?

To level the machine, shim it about 3/8 to 1/2" off the floor with waxed 
wooden shims. Wood roof shingles are great for this job as they have a low 
taper. Get the mill table level as possible. Trowel in non-shrinking machine 
grout (like mortar, a special cement-based product) around the shims and 
under the base where it meets the concrete. After it is fully dry and cured, 
about a month, pull out the wood shims and fill the spaces where they were 
with more grout.

Or, you can use sheetmetal shims to do the same thing (with a smaller 
initial gap- you don't need as much space if you aren't using grout) and 
leave them in place. Some RTV sealant between the floor and the first shim 
will isolate the damp concrete from the machine, and RTV between the other 
shims will prevent them moving over time and will make them easier to slide 
in. Stainless sheet is recommended if metal shims are used.

Cheers Jeff Dayman

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Crosskey" <chris.crosskey@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 8:59 AM
Subject: [modeleng] Levelling problem.... what to do?


> Hi folks,
>
> Having got to the "almost finished" end of the workshed conversion on a 
> sectional garage I've hit a snag...
>
> The milling machine base seems warped, it doesn't sit squarely on the 
> floor.... or rather it doesn't sit squarely on the small concrete pier I 
> built for it.... I don't think it's the pier as the top surface (inside a 
> fence of bricks) is levelling compound and checks with a straight edge and 
> a level could show no discernible deviation from flat and true....
>
> I'm not in a position to bolt it down, there isn't enough depth to the 
> pier before I hit the waterproof layer to get anything with serious pull, 
> I do have some anchors that will stop it travelling though... should I 
> pack the wobbly corner and live with it and hope it doesn't affect the 
> rest of the machine?... the Knee is off ATM so I'd have to go from the 
> knee shears to work out what should be flat.
>
> The base of the mill is a hollow cast-iron casting integral to the rest of 
> the column.... I find it hard to believe it's distorted.... but it's the 
> only answer I've got ... unless I've trapped a big lump under there....
>
> Eek...
>
> chrisc
>
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