Leveling a Surface Grinder

[Pevehouse]

Just wanted to pop in and ask you guys if I should be worried about leveling my surface grinder. It’s a Harig 618W and it’s on the factory 618 base however when I removed the machine there was shim stock under the feet which suggests that it needs to be leveled. Just wanted to see what your thoughts are on it. Thank you all

 

[MyLilMule]

You should make every effort to level it. Leveling is just the mechanism you use to remove any twist in the ways. Twist introduces error.

 

[Jake M]

MyLilMule called it. Leveling is NOT required (although in the case of a surface grinder, "close" would probably be desirable. What you NEED is for all of the feet to be bearing equally. So yes, shims, jacks, spacers, whatever is gonna need to happen. The act of precision leveling the machine is not so much because the machine needs precision leveling, but rather "level" becomes a precision datum that YOU can transfer from anywhere to anywhere, all over the machine, where you can't reach with gauges and reference squares. It lets YOU get all the aspects of the machine dialed in true to each other in a much more efficient way than the workarounds. Which in a hobby environment may also be a valid option. I'd still shoot for at least kinda level though.

 

[toprecyler]

MyLilMule called it. Leveling is NOT required (although in the case of a surface grinder, "close" would probably be desirable. What you NEED is for all of the feet to be bearing equally. So yes, shims, jacks, spacers, whatever is gonna need to happen. The act of precision leveling the machine is not so much because the machine needs precision leveling, but rather "level" becomes a precision datum that YOU can transfer from anywhere to anywhere, all over the machine, where you can't reach with gauges and reference squares. It lets YOU get all the aspects of the machine dialed in true to each other in a much more efficient way than the workarounds. Which in a hobby environment may also be a valid option. I'd still shoot for at least kinda level though.

Being level probably will help the table roll back and forth too.


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[Pevehouse]

Being level probably will help the table roll back and forth too.


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Thanks to everyone for their comments and explanations. I am going to remove the table on this machine in order to clean and install a set of roller ways that came with the machine. I figure that will be a good time to stone everything and make sure she’s leveled up. I do have a starrett master level if that’s needed but sounds like that may be over kill from your comments. Thanks again. I’m new to surface grinding so all the information you can give is certainly welcome and appreciated

 

[Martin W]

Good chance to make good use of your Starrett level. Good practice getting it perfect

 

[Cadillac]

If your table has ballways you’re gonna want it level. NOT level will cause the table to move which could be ugly at the wrong time. You want as close to level as possible.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

If your table has ballways you’re gonna want it level. NOT level will cause the table to move which could be ugly at the wrong time. You want as close to level as possible.

Yeah, this is one machine that the construction of the machine matters when considering leveling.

It is the most precise machine you have in the shop and things like this can be critical, not to the operation of the machine, but to the results you get when using it.

You already have the forces of the wheel in contact with the work, but if you add in a few degrees of lean there may be adverse effects to your work somewhere along the line.

You have the level, why not set the machine up as best as you can?

The last owner did.

 

[Pevehouse]

If your table has ballways you’re gonna want it level. NOT level will cause the table to move which could be ugly at the wrong time. You want as close to level as possible.

Well, the table originally had regular V ways however I was given a roller kit for the machine from the guy I purchased it from. So it’s more of a roller way setup. I’m sure the same applies. Don’t want it moving around inadvertently

 

[Pevehouse]

Yeah, this is one machine that the construction of the machine matters when considering leveling.

It is the most precise machine you have in the shop and things like this can be critical, not to the operation of the machine, but to the results you get when using it.

You already have the forces of the wheel in contact with the work, but if you add in a few degrees of lean there may be adverse effects to your work somewhere along the line.

You have the level, why not set the machine up as best as you can?

The last owner did.

That’s the plan. At the moment I have both the table sections removed for cleaning and inspection and to install the roller kit. This will give me the opportunity to level the base alone and with the table installed. I have the oil pump removed as well. I think I’m gonna take her on down and replace the nylon tubing for the oil system while I’m going. It’s hard as a preachers dick and full of gunk