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Movable lathe

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Funnyturn20/08/2009 20:46:10
20 forum posts
I am rearranging my workshop(new mill coming so space has to be 'created').
 
I would like to be able to position my lathe in such a way that it can be easily moved out of the way should the need arise(it's a garage workshop and other 'machinery' needs access at different times.
 
The lathe - a Chester Comet -  is on its own stand and could be mounted on castors, but I feel this would lead to stability problems and so on...What I need is some sort of wheel arrangement that could be screwed down to the floor when needed and then retracted.
 
Anyone have any suggestions? I doubt it is a unique problem!
 
Brian
mgj20/08/2009 20:57:19
1017 forum posts
14 photos
Are you sure its such a good idea?
 
I'm no expert in the mounting of machine tools, but my understanding is that you will need to shim under the machine to get it to sit dead straight and turn straight. In order for that shimming to be effective, the stand needs to be bolted to the floor, or else there is nothing to lever against. 
 
So the classic mounting arrangement is to lock the base down to the floor with some kind of damping material in between (high density cork being one of the best - and the best according to Tubal Cain is a thick bed of marine play). Then you shim, or otherwise adjust jacking screws to take out any taper.
 
So if the thing is on casters, or continually being moved, and not on a dead level surface (which a garage floor is not), how is the proposed system to allow the lathe to be set up properly and to within fine limits? - if that's a concern. 
 
 
 
 

Edited By meyrick griffith-jones on 20/08/2009 21:01:21

Niloch20/08/2009 21:55:08
371 forum posts
You might find a reading of Mr Willson's account of his M300 in the latest MEW beneficial.  It appears that he custom makes a cradle to fit under each of his heavy machines to which can be attached wheels for single-handed movement.
His machines sit on the cradles which in turn sit on adjustable anti-vibration pads supplied by: farrat.com although I'm unclear about this last point.

Edited By Niloch on 20/08/2009 21:55:46

Edited By Niloch on 20/08/2009 21:58:10

Graham Horne21/08/2009 11:37:04
14 forum posts
Hi! one of my favourite books was 'Moving Heavy Things' and it suggests pipe rollers under planks, works for me and my Eldorado weighs 600Kg. Another way, which I have used to move aircraft wheel bogies (with aircraft attached) is greased plates. One plate under the base (Glued on is OK)  sits on a greased floor plate which butts up against a greased plate in the new position, or greased plates between the two positions, slide!
Floor plates can be quite thin, lifted for storage. Base plate should have load spread by bearers and for cleanliness should have the same dimensions as permanent position plate. When in correct position, through bolt both plates to floor. Yours to contemplate.
Graham
dcosta21/08/2009 20:06:39
496 forum posts
207 photos


Hello.
 
My english is not so good as to allow me to try to use it for the purpose
of explaining in detail a system.
That's why I prefer to show a drawing with some legends.
Attached You'l find a file (I am not familiar with attaching files in this portal.
If someone can teach me I will appreciate...).
 
Best wishes
Dias Costa 
 
 
 

Edited By Dias Costa on 21/08/2009 20:08:48

Edited By Dias Costa on 21/08/2009 20:09:44

Robbo22/08/2009 10:22:53
1504 forum posts
142 photos
I use adjustable machine feet (round base with an M12 thread and nuts), available commercially, to set the machine level.     The castors are fixed on a retractable base, cam operated by your foot, so the castors can be lowered and the machine moved, then retracted when in position.    The level does need to be checked after every move.
 
This is particularly useful on my universal woodworking machine, where the space needs vary according to the job, but also works on the Myford and surface grinder.  Not good for the shaper, as it walks off down the garage!
 
This type of base is available from woodworking suppliers, but is expensive.
 
Sorry Dias, your pictures didn't show up on my PC.
Edited By Robbo on 22/08/2009 10:23:59
 

Edited By Robbo on 22/08/2009 10:24:32

Funnyturn23/08/2009 20:44:25
20 forum posts
Many thanks for suggestions. Plenty of ideas, but wil keep it fixed for time being...
 
Brian
dcosta23/08/2009 21:57:49
496 forum posts
207 photos
Posted by Dias Costa on 21/08/2009 20:06:39:


Hello.
 
If  You want You can find a poor drawing of the height adjustable feet schema
in my album.
It is a rather crude draw because I made it in the train. If You need something
more clear,  just let me know.
 
Best wishes
Dias Costa 


Robbo26/08/2009 22:29:11
1504 forum posts
142 photos
Hi Dias,
 
Have seen your drawing now.    Good idea, and easier to make than a cam operated version.
 
Robbo

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