Leveling foot pads for my lathe?

[Defender92]

Probably a dumb question…





I just got around to leveling my Clausing 13” lathe. Bought a Starrett level and big wrench. Then I noticed my leveling “feet” are just rounded bolt ends. I don’t want that digging into my garage floor.



After some googling and eBaying I found these leveling pads.

Is it possible I could just turn some stainless steel bar and add a little divot for the bolts? Or is there something special about these machine foot pads?

 

[WobblyHand]

Yes, you can turn stainless, or normal steel disks, and add a divot for the bolts. The only thing special about those pads, is that they are good at lightening your wallet. Seriously, just make them. I mean, you have a lathe, why not?

 

[benmychree]

No need for stainless, carbon steel or cast iron would be fine, yes, as drill point divot works well, I put a piece of tarpaper under the foot to conform to the concrete and prevent walking around with vibration.

 

[Defender92]

No need for stainless, carbon steel or cast iron would be fine, yes, as drill point divot works well, I put a piece of tarpaper under the foot to conform to the concrete and prevent walking around with vibration.

I was thinking stainless steel to avoid rust

 

[WobblyHand]

Anything would be fine. If you have scrap stainless, it wouldn't hurt, but it isn't necessary unless you have a damp, soggy floor. But if you had a damp soggy floor, it really isn't a good spot for your machines...

 

[MyLilMule]

Nothing special. Use what you have in the scrap bin.

 

[SLK001]

I would use carbon steel. If you're worried about rust, paint them before you put them on your floor.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

303 stainless machines easily as does 416 stainless
but, just about any material is sufficient- even aluminum or delrin would be fine

 

[pontiac428]

For $4.00 per piece and 15 minutes each, it's a no-brainer to roll your own!

 

[Defender92]

Ok. No need to spend a bunch of money Thanks guys. I will try to head to the metal shop tomorrow as my biggest scrap bar is 1.25”.