leveling feet for 2X4 ?

[daveroy]

I am in the process of building a table for my minilathe and micro mill. I don't have a welder and such, so you can throw those Ideas right out the window. These are not huge machines, and don't weight like full sized machine do. And Im not doing production level work (just learnin').

OK, the root of the question is this, my bench/table legs are 2X4s and if it can be done without a whole bunch of extra fuss, I would like to be able to level it. But not sure what will work in the end grain of a 2X4? Anyone got any Ideas without adding %50 to the cost of the lumber?

Here's some idea of the base design. I'm still tweaking the dimensions... but think of it with a 6' piece of cheap Menards counter top.

 

[aggierailroad]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=188857

look at the pic I have of leveling feet. You don't have to recess them fully into the wood like that, just drill a 1/2" hole i believe. The only reason I did was to have the leg sit just nearly flush when the table was on a wooden floor. I think they are more than capable of supporting your mill/lathe. I paid about $15 or so for 8 of them.

Try looking around at Rockler: http://woodworking.rockler.com/c/furniture-glides-cushions-levelers

 

[ilovevocs]

I know this is tangential to your question but I would consider picking up a few drops of angle and using them at the floor to bolt the bench down. Would increase rigidity of the bench an likely decrease some vibration while the machine is running. I like to use redhead drop in anchors. If the bench is going to be permanent you may consider this approach and use shims to level negating the need for the levelers. Only benches I have used levels on in my garage are mobile work benches and I just drill and thread 3/8" angle with a 3/8" bolt. You may also consider this in conjunction with the levelers. Use the bolt to set the height and then secure it to the application.

Just thinking out loud. Good luck with the build.

 

[Jawn]

I have these on my bench:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ATUE3M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They perch onto the side of the wood (L-shaped so there is something under it), four screws into the side. Adjusts with a 5mm allen key or ball driver.

 

[Steevo]

I used these on my lathe bench:

They came from a billiard table supply place.
http://www.classicbilliards.net/

http://www.classicbilliards.net/html/AntiquePoolTablePartsProducts.cfm?img=ll_set_4.jpg&item=LL/SET/4&price=$11.95&Shipping=$6&Desc=Set%20of%20four%20solid%20steel%20leg%20leveler%20TNuts

 

[jamesc]

making some leveling feet should be a good project on your lathe and mill, I have just bought threaded insert from home depot in the past.

 

[isaac338]

Just tap some cedar shims under the legs. Cheap and easy.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Yep. Shims.

 

[Seiler]

I used these on my lathe bench:

They came from a billiard table supply place.
http://www.classicbilliards.net/

http://www.classicbilliards.net/html/AntiquePoolTablePartsProducts.cfm?img=ll_set_4.jpg&item=LL/SET/4&price=$11.95&Shipping=$6&Desc=Set%20of%20four%20solid%20steel%20leg%20leveler%20TNuts

I found Steevo's thread and did the exact same thing on my workbench. I ordered the feet from McMasterCarr. They were expensive, but I wanted something that was going to hold up to abuse.

More specifically, "Swivel Leveling Mounts" Part No: 6111K521 1/2"-13 thread in the Black Luster Steel with Nonskid pad.

Scott