Machinery alignment

Problem: When trying to align a piece of machinery, I’m always going back and forth from side to side, trying to get it level using shims. What am I doing wrong?

Solution: It could simply be the shims that are the cause of the problem. You should inspect all shims carefully. Clean and remove burrs and discard rusty, misshapen or aluminum shims.

Verify all shim thicknesses with an accurate micrometer; shims must be the same thickness throughout.

It’s best not to use aluminum shims or copper or bronze shim stock; stainless steel shims work best.

Record the number and thickness of shims at each mounting foot location (remember that foot stiffness decreases as the number of shims used increases). Always place thinner shims between thick shims.

Thanks for this tip go to Tex Leugner of Maintenance Technology International, Calgary, Alta. Levelling machinery is complex. See Leugner’s feature article on page 23 for more solutions to machinery alignment problems.