Leveling Feet

[dannyg]

Wondering if I can get some input on what you use for lathe leveling feet? When I bought my lathe a couple years ago I also bought some rubber bottomed machinery leveling feet. I`m not too impressed with them though , in the couple years I`ve had it it seems like I`m always having to relevel. At least every 2 or 3 months. Thank you for any input.

Danny

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Make some aluminum copies of your rubber bottom ones. That works very well. Or ive also pulled that rubber out of those cheaper feet and replaced it with conveyor belt material before with success. It all depends on the texture of your floor

 

[dannyg]

Thank you. Smooth concrete. I thought about making sreel copies. Aluminium would be better?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Well aluminum would be easier. Dont think it would make a bit of difference. Make the heavy teardrop shape instead of the pancake shape. I cut my own allthread too and used 2h nuts. Very easy to finely adjust with a bigger wrench on the 2h nuts

 

[dannyg]

Thank you for taking the time , I appreciate it. I`m not sure what teardrop shaped is , I`m sure I must`ve seen it but I can`t picture what it looks like. I`ll try and look it up.

 

[carlsbad]

Steel hockey pucks with a dimple for the leveling screw.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Think of this shape without the complicated cuts. Should have said cone shape but mine are rounded like a flatbottom teardrop. Make it simple but substantial. Get a foot of 3” stock off ebay in the material of your choice. Make them 4” tall or so. Use the biggest allthread that will fit thru your machine and 2h nuts. May have to order them. Youll have the best feet out there

 

[dannyg]

Thank you sir. That picture clears it up.

 

[LC Tikka]

Use a material that has some give as you can never make perfect contact with the floor. I set my 36" lathe up on the adjustment bolts only, then made round poly/HDPE pad with a recess for the bolt heads, lifted the lathe and lowered onto all 8 pads.