The Tools of the Precision Shaft Alignment Trade

Efficiency is a critical element in today’s maintenance environment. In every aspect of maintenance, the right tools are necessary to complete a job quickly and efficiently.

When performing precision shaft alignments in the field, there are tools that are typical to almost every job. Aside from the tools that are included in the case with the Fixturlaser Alignment Systems, it is a “best practice” to build a tool kit that contains the basics for every alignment large or small. The items in this tool kit could be determined by the extent of preparation that you desire or are willing to tote to the job with you. As I said, this could be a big list if you satisfy every possible scenario. http://acoem.us/blog/2012/10/07/organizing-shaft-alignment-job/

The following is an “essentials list” that will cover most general alignments:

·         Small micrometer or caliper to measure shims that aren’t marked and/or verify the thickness of shims .050” and thicker. http://acoem.us/blog/2013/03/28/shims-103-importance-measuring-shim-thickness/

·         Pre-cut Stainless Steel Shims of the proper size with sufficient quantities of each thickness.

·         Tin snips or good quality scissors for cutting shims when solving for angled soft foot. It is best to have non-serrated blades.

·         Machinists scale(6” straight edge) – to assist in rough alignment

·         Flashlight – It’s always good to be able to see into those dark recesses.

·         Needle nose pliers – to safely remove shims from under the machine feet. Needle nose Vice Grips are a good choice.

·         A feeler gauge set – to help identify angular and parallel soft foot

·         1 or 2 magnetic base adjustable steady rests – for machines that are free turning – these can be used to rest the sensors on when taking measurements and making the live horizontal correction.

·         A stiff 1” scraper- to clean the machine base

·         A steel wedge – It’s a wedge…you wedge things with it.

·         A bundle of rags and brake cleaner or equivalent cleaner – Dirt and rust are compressible and will make the alignment more difficult to manage.

·         A measuring device – IE. Tape measure or carpenters rule. I personally prefer the latter, although it only extends 6’.

·         A pen and some paper – It may be necessary to record your measurements on paper (when using dial indicators) or take some notes.

All of these tools will fit in a big fanny pack or small backpack. It could be left with the Fixturlaser Alignment System to benefit all of the aligners privileged enough to have been trained in the use of our wonderful lasers.

Is there anything that you think would be a good addition to this list? We would like to hear from you.