How can soft foot be checked?

Checking for soft foot is a crucial process in ensuring proper alignment of machinery. Each method mentioned is effective in identifying soft foot conditions, which occur when the base of a machine is not sitting flat on its foundation, causing misalignment and potential operational issues.

Using feeler gauges is a common technique wherein the gaps under the machine's foot are measured to assess whether there is any discrepancy. This helps in identifying unevenness at the contact points, which is indicative of soft foot.

Laser shaft alignment is a more advanced method that can help detect soft foot indirectly by ensuring that the laser alignment readings are accurate across the machinery. If the readings fluctuate significantly, it may suggest an underlying soft foot issue.

The dial indicator is a precise tool used to measure the vertical and horizontal movement of the machine's foot in relation to the base. When placed on the foot and the base, it can show any deflection or movement that indicates soft foot conditions.

Thus, by employing all these methods collectively, you can effectively identify soft foot issues and take corrective actions to ensure machinery operational efficiency. This multifaceted approach allows for comprehensive checks and reaffirms the importance of proper machine installation and maintenance.