I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have
to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
store that will do the trick?
I don't have an answer to your specific question, but a suggestion to
make things a little easier if you don't find what you need. You could
cut one leg (it can be the most easily accessible one) notable shorter
than the other three and then that will be the only one needing an
adjuster. If the adjuster can be turned with a wrench you won't need
to lift the table if that leg needs to be lengthened because you can
get enough force with the wrench so that the adjuster will do the work
(you'll still have to get on your knees, though).
Charles
Joe wrote:
> I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
> ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
> floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
> the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
> allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have
> to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
> corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
> store that will do the trick?
Joe wrote:
> I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
> ground it stand on is not level...
[and adjusting the feet is uncomfortable and unwieldy given the weight
of
the table]
There are silly solutions, of course; fill a kiddie pool with water and
put
your table on a boat... screw the table top to a tilt head like on a
photographer's tripod...
One possibility is to use hydraulic cylinders in each leg; lock 'em by
closing a valve,
unlock the legs that are too long (under table-weight load) until
those legs are the
right height. Industrial distributors carrying the Enerpac line might
have something
suitable, if you can afford it. Your table will have a hydraulic fluid
reservoir, of course,
in addition to the valves and cylinders.
Easier, is to use the adjustable feet that rotate in a threaded collar;
if you can braze a long
rod to the threaded foot, put a 3/8" socket head on the top, and you
could jack the feet
up or down with a ratchet wrench. Either bore the (solid) legs and put
portholes in the
table top, or weld up some outboard braces for the feet.
[email protected] wrote:
> I don't have an answer to your specific question, but a suggestion to
> make things a little easier if you don't find what you need. You could
> cut one leg (it can be the most easily accessible one) notable shorter
> than the other three and then that will be the only one needing an
> adjuster. If the adjuster can be turned with a wrench you won't need
> to lift the table if that leg needs to be lengthened because you can
> get enough force with the wrench so that the adjuster will do the work
> (you'll still have to get on your knees, though).
>
> Charles
>
That would work if he just wants the leg bottoms to lie in a plane, for
stability. But he says he wants the table top to be level. For that,
he needs adjustability on all 4 legs.
Like JOAT said, more details would help.
Regards,
Mark
J. Clarke wrote:
> On Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:53:37 -0800, redbelly wrote:
>
> > redbelly wrote:
> >> ... he says he wants the table top to be level. For that,
> >> he needs adjustability on all 4 legs.
> >
> > Uh, make that THREE of the legs need to be adjustable.
>
> Seems to me that a two pronged approach might be good. One leg with a
> leveler on the bottom to stabilize the base,
> and three with levelers on top to level the top.
>
> Inset levels in the appropriate locations might be a useful feature.
>
> If he doesn't want to get down on his knees the adjustable leg could be
> adjustable from the top--make it telescoping with the adjusting screw high
> up on the leg and bearing on a block in the crosspiece while threaded into
> an insert in the top of the extending piece--that way you could if you
> were careful with the workmanship fix it so that you can put a ratchet on
> it and leave it for an adjusting lever. Or you could make that leg adjust
> from the top with a threaded insert and a hex head machine screw with the
> head down in a hole in the end of the leg--adjust the base, put the top
> on, then level the top with three more screws.
>
That would work. At any rate, the adjusters should go either at the
top or bottom, but not in the middle, of the legs.
I'm just not clear on what the OP's problem is. Is it with having to
bend down low, or with having to lift the table? If lifting is the
problem, a simple jack, or even a prybar + short wooden block (6"
2x4?), might solve the problem.
Mark
Max wrote:
> > Joe wrote:
> >> I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
> >> ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
> >> floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
> >> the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
> >> allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have
> >> to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
> >> corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
> >> store that will do the trick?
> >>
>
> I have most of my tools on casters. The method I use to level them is:
>
> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/album?.dir=ace1scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/my_photos
>
> Max
Looks good, except that I would put a metal plate or block of wood
under the screw tips. I'd have expected over time the screws would
gouge holes into the concrete floor. Have you had any problem like
that happening?
Mark
Max wrote:
> I welded large washers to the bottom of the "levelers" for the first tools I
> outfitted. I noticed no degradation of the floor so, thereafter, I omitted
> the washers.
> I have had no problems with any gouging of the concrete. I should point out
> that we used 5 sack concrete when we poured that floor.
Max, thanks for the info and added pics. -- Mark
> I added a couple more pics at:
> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/album?.dir=ace1scd
> to show what I mean.
> Your suggestion is a good one where a floor might be questionable.
>
> Max
[email protected] wrote:
> I don't have an answer to your specific question, but a suggestion to
> make things a little easier if you don't find what you need. You could
> cut one leg (it can be the most easily accessible one) notable shorter
> than the other three and then that will be the only one needing an
> adjuster. If the adjuster can be turned with a wrench you won't need
> to lift the table if that leg needs to be lengthened because you can
> get enough force with the wrench so that the adjuster will do the work
> (you'll still have to get on your knees, though).
Along the same vein ...
ASSUMING stout wooden legs ...
He could route (drill, blast, gnaw) a slot in a leg large enough to take
a substantial carriage bolt .. 3/8" or perhaps 1/2".
Then he could cut that leg to make a wedge and tighten both pieces back
together with that bolt and a couple washers on each side.
When he moved the table he could loosen the bolt, slide the wedge up or
down to adjust and re-tighten the bolt.
Or not.
Bill
---
avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
Virus Database (VPS): 0658-0, 12/13/2006
Tested on: 12/14/2006 3:14:10 AM
avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2006 ALWIL Software.
http://www.avast.com
On Tue, 12 Dec 2006 18:29:02 GMT, "efgh" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"Joe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>>I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
>> ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
>> floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
>> the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
>> allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have
>> to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
>> corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
>> store that will do the trick?
>
>So cut a section out of as many legs as needed and insert a threaded rod
>into each section of the leg using the appropriate hardware. Weld a nut on
>the rod so you can turn it with a wrench.
And then you'll have a table with four wobbly legs. I think you would
need to have a telescoping leg, with a good 12 inches of overlap
between the sections. But you'd need 3 arms to adjust it.
If the legs have stretchers connecting them, and a work table should,
then the adjustment ought to be below the stretchers.
-Leuf
Tue, Dec 12, 2006, 9:51am (EST-3) [email protected] (Joe) comes in and
mumbles:
I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the floor
to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on the
ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will allow me
to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have to lift a
quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a corner. Are
there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty store that
will do the trick?
Anytime I see one of those gmail.com addresses I check the posting
history. Firt post here. Figures.
Assuing you're sincere, you din't provide enough details to really
give a viable response.
First thought I had was, then don't move the work table. But, you
don't say what size the table is, how sturdy it is, what you use it for.
You say the ground is not level. Do you mean the floor you have it on?
Or do you use it outside, on the ground? Details, details, details.
Actually, I came up with several possible solutions by the time I'd
finished reading your post. Doesn't seem like you applied much thought
yourself. But, because you did't include details, I don't know if any
of them would work for you. Three legs, then it'll stand steady at
least. Then you could have a double top and level just the top one.
Adjustable legs - several home-grown options there, but seeing as how I
don't know how sturdy or heavy the table is, don't feel like listing
them all. If you're inside, and have to move the table, an option would
be level the floor. Screw in legs would be one option. Sliding clamp
legs another.
I don't know what Home Depot might have, but I doubt they'd have
much. Haven't been in one in years, and don't plan on going in one.
Lowes, OK; Home Depot, no.
JOAT
Where does Batman buy gas for the Batmobile?
It's overkill but this might accomplish your goal. Try four trailer
tongue jacks mounted to the legs. They have a hand crank that will
reduce bending and can be adjusted independently. If you get the ones
with wheels, it will make it easy to move the table. I'm not too sure
about the wobble factor, though.
See: http://www.easternmarine.com/em_store/jacks/
Tom
Joe wrote:
> I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
> ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
> floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
> the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
> allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have
> to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
> corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
> store that will do the trick?
>
"Joe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
> ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
> floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
> the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
> allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have
> to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
> corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
> store that will do the trick?
So cut a section out of as many legs as needed and insert a threaded rod
into each section of the leg using the appropriate hardware. Weld a nut on
the rod so you can turn it with a wrench.
M Berger wrote:
> It seems like it would be easier to level the top than the
> legs. You could use 4 machinist's jacks, one under each
> corner of the top.
Or alternately, some kind of cam arrangement in the frame around the
edge of the base. Fix one corner (somehow...) and put cams at the two on
the other side. The cams could be locked by tightening their bolts, and
a lock washer would probably help.
Or, you could try a tripod workbench.
It seems like it would be easier to level the top than the
legs. You could use 4 machinist's jacks, one under each
corner of the top.
Joe wrote:
> I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
> ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
> floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
> the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
> allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have
> to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
> corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
> store that will do the trick?
>
On Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:53:37 -0800, redbelly wrote:
> redbelly wrote:
>> ... he says he wants the table top to be level. For that,
>> he needs adjustability on all 4 legs.
>
> Uh, make that THREE of the legs need to be adjustable.
Seems to me that a two pronged approach might be good. One leg with a
leveler on the bottom to stabilize the base,
and three with levelers on top to level the top.
Inset levels in the appropriate locations might be a useful feature.
If he doesn't want to get down on his knees the adjustable leg could be
adjustable from the top--make it telescoping with the adjusting screw high
up on the leg and bearing on a block in the crosspiece while threaded into
an insert in the top of the extending piece--that way you could if you
were careful with the workmanship fix it so that you can put a ratchet on
it and leave it for an adjusting lever. Or you could make that leg adjust
from the top with a threaded insert and a hex head machine screw with the
head down in a hole in the end of the leg--adjust the base, put the top
on, then level the top with three more screws.
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
" substantial carriage bolt "
1/2" Threaded rod? Available in 4' lengths. Clean through the leg and nut
captured near the top with another welded to the exposed end would allow one
to use a socket wrench to effectively lengthen or shorten the leg in
question from the top.
Some guy in Wisconsin is bemused by all the "ink" this question has
garnered - esp absent the response of the OP!
"Bill in Detroit" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> [email protected] wrote:
>> I don't have an answer to your specific question, but a suggestion to
>> make things a little easier if you don't find what you need. You could
>> cut one leg (it can be the most easily accessible one) notable shorter
>> than the other three and then that will be the only one needing an
>> adjuster. If the adjuster can be turned with a wrench you won't need
>> to lift the table if that leg needs to be lengthened because you can
>> get enough force with the wrench so that the adjuster will do the work
>> (you'll still have to get on your knees, though).
>
>
> Along the same vein ...
>
> ASSUMING stout wooden legs ...
>
> He could route (drill, blast, gnaw) a slot in a leg large enough to take a
> substantial carriage bolt .. 3/8" or perhaps 1/2".
>
> Then he could cut that leg to make a wedge and tighten both pieces back
> together with that bolt and a couple washers on each side.
>
> When he moved the table he could loosen the bolt, slide the wedge up or
> down to adjust and re-tighten the bolt.
>
> Or not.
>
> Bill
>
>
> ---
> avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
> Virus Database (VPS): 0658-0, 12/13/2006
> Tested on: 12/14/2006 3:14:10 AM
> avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2006 ALWIL Software.
> http://www.avast.com
>
>
>
> Joe wrote:
>> I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
>> ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
>> floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
>> the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
>> allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't have
>> to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
>> corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
>> store that will do the trick?
>>
I have most of my tools on casters. The method I use to level them is:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/album?.dir=ace1scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/my_photos
Max
"redbelly" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Max wrote:
>> > Joe wrote:
>> >> I have a worktable that I need to keep level. Only problem is that the
>> >> ground it stand on is not level so any shift brings me down to the
>> >> floor to the tedious task of leveling each leg from the adjusters on
>> >> the ground. I'd love to replace these legs with something that will
>> >> allow me to level this table from the middle of the leg so I don't
>> >> have
>> >> to lift a quarter of the table off the ground each time I level a
>> >> corner. Are there any products I can buy at a Home depot or specialty
>> >> store that will do the trick?
>> >>
>>
>> I have most of my tools on casters. The method I use to level them is:
>>
>> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/album?.dir=ace1scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/my_photos
>>
>> Max
>
> Looks good, except that I would put a metal plate or block of wood
> under the screw tips. I'd have expected over time the screws would
> gouge holes into the concrete floor. Have you had any problem like
> that happening?
>
> Mark
I welded large washers to the bottom of the "levelers" for the first tools I
outfitted. I noticed no degradation of the floor so, thereafter, I omitted
the washers.
I have had no problems with any gouging of the concrete. I should point out
that we used 5 sack concrete when we poured that floor.
I added a couple more pics at:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/album?.dir=ace1scd
to show what I mean.
Your suggestion is a good one where a floor might be questionable.
Max