If the base plate surface is not level, what should you check for?

When a base plate surface is not level, checking for soft foot is essential as it can significantly impact the performance and alignment of machinery. Soft foot refers to a condition where one or more feet of a machine or equipment are not making proper contact with the base or foundation, which can lead to misalignment and operational issues.

An uneven base plate can create stress points that result in soft foot, causing the equipment to be unstable or improperly aligned. When a machine experiences soft foot, it may vibrate excessively, suffer from premature wear, or fail to operate effectively. This condition is typically identified during alignment procedures, and addressing it is crucial for ensuring the reliability and longevity of rotating machinery.

Understanding soft foot and its implications helps millwrights ensure that machinery is properly aligned and operates efficiently, preventing potential mechanical failures and optimizing performance.