Overview

Some machines are easy to align and pose no serious difficulty. These are the small machines that are easy to move, growth is not large, and bolt-bound conditions can be handled on the spot. For these, no extraordinary preparation is required. Simply gather the alignment fixture kit, some shims, and some general tools like wrenches and a pry bar, and go to the machine. If these items are always kept in a vehicle or on a cart, no immediate preparation is needed. Just show up at the job site on time with the tools.

Some general advance preparation must have been made before anyone is in the position to accept an alignment task. The right tools and personnel must be in position. This is a management task in logistics. First, some alignment measuring instruments must have been previously purchased or fabricated. This could be a universal dial-indicator system with appropriate shaft clamps and extensions to handle general-purpose pumps. Second, people must know how to use it. Some personnel must be trained on the general alignment process, and specifically on how to calculate move requirements. Third, the remaining tools must be in place, like shims, wrenches, pry bars, etc. This advance preparation begins about a year prior to the first alignment job. When the right tools, instruments, and personnel are in place with the proper training, there can be a reasonable expectation for success. This is how routine alignment tasks can be planned. The planning is long-range to acquire the...