I’m building the tool storage/workbench from the “Shop Accessories You Can Build” book (page 78). I’m wondering about possibly putting leveling feet on the legs to account for uneven floors. I’m not certain that this is a good idea though – not enough surface area in contact with the floor.
Any thoughts? If yes, what brand do people recommend?
Replies
I put some on my bench similar to the ones described in the Landis WorkBench book's chapter on the Fortune/Nelson bench, i.e., T-nuts recessed into the bottom of the wood foot and an allen key on the top of the bolt. I got mine here:
http://www.levelingmounts.com/
I called and explained my use, and they were great at identifying the best type for me - about 2+" diameter rubber swivel foot with a sturdy (3/8 or 1/2") bolt with the allen top for easy adjustment from above. Works great.
I have used leveling feet for most of the large storage cabinets in my workshop that provide double duty as out-tables with machinery such as the TS, RAS and DP. Levelers are invaluable for dialing in and mating adjoining surfaces. The site you referenced has great products and I intend on using the swivel type for the bench I will build later this year. In my experience, if you have to adjust for an uneven surface, the right leveling feet provide a more secure, non-skid and weight distribution alternative to wood shims.
not sure if this is a rolling bench, but for my own workbench a couple of wood shims to levels things out works fine. Total cost = $0.00, total time required to implement = 90 seconds and 60 of that was for finding my level.
Shims nay indeed be a good answer depending upon how you use your bench and where you place it. If you don't do much chopping or planing with handtools on it, for example, shims may stay in place well. If it's up against a wall, that may help shims stay put too. My bench is used for a lot of hand tool operations and sits out in the middle of my shop so I have access from all sides. If I used shims, and didn't glue or screw them to the feet, I'd be replacing or sweeping up shims all the time. It would also take away flexibility to move the bench if I permanently attached the shims to the feet.
Bench weight is the critical variable... my bench weighs in excess of 500 lbs., I'm guessing given I've never picked it up but pushing around the shop is a real bear :)
shims
I'm with Tangomike on this one. Unless you plan to move your bench around often, I'd just go with wooden shims. Quick, easy and better yet free.
I don't use the levelers, but as a thought: The shims would give pretty good contact to the ground in comparison to the levelers. I would think that this might help with any movement.
Buster
I have my benches on levelers from woodcraft. They work great. My tablesaw is on a 8' rolling cart which I level with these. I also have a 4x8 outfeed that is leveled with these. The only stuff I use shims on are the benches that are against the wall and are not going to be moved.
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=3986
I was just looking at this as well as I'm building 2 benches with a mitersaw in between. I want the benches at the same height and on the same plane. In addition, I want them at the same height / plane as my TS as well. Lastly, it's an uneven basement floor. I believe levelers are a must to make this happen.
Here's a tip from shopnotes:
http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip010608sn.html
Dude, don't waste your time. What do you do when that crutch tip rots out? Why not just get a standard leg leveler with an adjustiable post. A non rot nylon type base and no super engineering requiried. Pat
What do you do when that crutch tip rots out? LOL.. LOL...
I limp!EDIT: They have some nice levelers they use for installing heavy Kitchen cabinets.. I just shuv' a wedge under 'THAT' leg!
Edited 5/10/2006 9:45 am by WillGeorge
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled