When using mag-base or otherwise mechanically attached indicators in the monitoring of side-to-side movement in alignment work it is helpful to be aware of several precautions (and advantages) that may apply.

Always utilize a surface on the movable unit that s perpendicular to the movable unit base in tandem with being parallel to the involved coupling shaft. This will reward you with more accurate readings and also help to protect the indicators. (Usually two, but four is more dependable.) If such surfaces are unavailable, create them. Duct seal, plastic steel or many other bonding mediums may be used (depending on the temperature etc.) to attach vertical bars 1 1/2" or so wide and at an appropriate height to receive dial indicator buttons at selected points along the length of the movable unit

Understand that for side-to-side monitoring operations you are not confined to utilizing the movable unit feet for the location points of the mag-base indicator buttons. Any convenient locations near the front and rear of the movable unit may be used, preferably where the indicator or its mounting base won t get inadvertently bumped or otherwise disturbed during the process.

Further understand that the same calculation procedures utilized for determining shim packs for the movable unit feet work just as well in calculating side-to-side or (sometimes) needed axial movement of said units.

NOTE: If jackbolts are being used, there s a handy jackbolt chart included in this book that can be used to quickly rough-in a piece of equipment by...