Hi all,
I was moving my 1967 Delta/Rockwell lathe the other day to the other side of the shop and found the concrete there was less level than where I had been turning. The lathe has served me well for the last couple of years but when I turned it on, it was making a real racket. For those who don't know the type - this lathe has a factory sheet metal stand with a "box" under the headstock. What was making the noise was some vibration due to the lathe not being stable on the floor.
I thought about adding some casters or vibration pads and went online to the usual industrial suppliers. I was disappointed to see so many choices with prices higher than I could justify. So, when walking through Target with my wife, I had a brainstorm - flip flops. Flip Flops are sometimes called beach sandals.
Yep, I bought the biggest man sized flip flops they had (size 13) in bright yellow and took them home. I cut off the part that goes through the toes and across the foot. I cut them in half and stuck them under each of the 6 feet on the lathe. Quiet as before.
So, instead of paying $12 / pad I ended up paying $2 for 2 pair. Great deal.
- By the way, the reason I needed to move my Delta/Rockwell was I needed to make room for my newest wivamac lathe from Belgium. If you are interested in the Delta or a new wivamac - go to my website:
See you in Kansas at the AAW meeting,
Lee