Viceroy lathe installation

[Discobisco]

Hi all, I have been moving my Viceroy lathe around the workshop to find the ideal spot for it and I am struggling with an uneven floor. Can anyone recommend something like a hard rubber to put between the lathe and the floor?

 

[bigegg]

I believe that slate shims then cement grout is the traditional way to level up a lathe.
Maybe some epoxy putty?

 

[Pete.]

Ordinary cement grout. Level the machine with packing shims under the cabinet then mix cement dust with water until it's runny like custard and pour it in under the feet.

 

[chris-law]

Hi all, I have been moving my Viceroy lathe around the workshop to find the ideal spot for it and I am struggling with an uneven floor. Can anyone recommend something like a hard rubber to put between the lathe and the floor?

Lets see some pictures

 

[madkayaker]

Poor a concrete plinth to place it on that is level then you can correct little bits with washers etc. that will give you a solid base and cut down on machine wear and vibration/ noise

 

[outofthefire]

Ordinary cement grout. Level the machine with packing shims under the cabinet then mix cement dust with water until it's runny like custard and pour it in under the feet.

Cement and water has no strength and even if you added sand I doubt a thin layer would last if there is a lot of vibration. I would be surprised if self levelling compound is strong enough if its only a thin layer. Personally i'd go with a concrete pad do it right first time because it'll be a pain having to move it all again.

 

[Discobisco]

This is what I have although this is not a picture of my machine.
http://www.timdixon.com/Machines/L007.jpg

I expected to see adjustable feet in the cupboards under the lathe but there is nothing it just sits on the cabinet. However level the concrete floor I can't imagine you can get concrete as level as a steel cabinet

 

[Pete.]

Cement and water has no strength and even if you added sand I doubt a thin layer would last if there is a lot of vibration. I would be surprised if self levelling compound is strong enough if its only a thin layer. Personally i'd go with a concrete pad do it right first time because it'll be a pain having to move it all again.

Cement grout is used universally for gap-filling where good compressive strength is required. Ask a miner or tunneler whether it's strong enough because it's all they'll use. Come to think of it - ask me because I hate having to cut, drill and break it for a living.

 

[Discobisco]

Cement grout is used universally for gap-filling where good compressive strength is required. Ask a miner or tunneler whether it's strong enough because it's all they'll use. Come to think of it - ask me because I hate having to cut, drill and break it for a living.

Better make sure its in the right spot in the workshop then! Thanks

 

[Pete.]

Shouldn't matter too much, you're only filling a small gap, not cementing the machine to the ground. If your Viceroy is like mine the lathe is fitted to the cabinet on three feet anyway so how the cabinet sits has no twisting effect on the lathe. All it needs to be is somewhere near level and not rocking on the floor. Other lathes which are bolted solidly to the stand on four feet can have a twist in the ways if the cabinet is not properly levelled. I just bought a 10ee which has a huge monolithic casting for a base with the ways scraped to it. That will have to be carefully levelled and grouted if it's to work as well as it should.