Compare it to a square you have, placing both on a surface plate. If you have no surface plate, use the mill table. If you find there is no gap between the square and the angle plate, it will likely serve well enough.Bolsterman wrote:A question to the forum…I did a quickie check of my tram and I think I see that part of my “column leaning right” problem has returned to a lesser degree. I don’t have a cylindrical square to check, anymore; I just used an Enco-grade 4” angle, don’t know if I can trust it or not.
There is no guarantee that such a block will be square, either. Unless you see a need to own one, it may not be a good investment.maybe I should buy a 2-4-6 block instead?)
Rightly so. The two surfaces should have been examined before you attempted to correct error. I suggest you dismantle the assembly before you attempt anything in the way of correction. Otherwise you may be wasting your time.I am suspicious my problem may be in “gunk from the factory” between the column and the table it’s bolted to
I trust the ceiling is not covered with sheetrock, and you have access to the trusses? If so, there's no reason why you can't use a 4" x 4" that spans several trusses, to spread the load. If you are picking only 200 pounds, even if you span just two, each is carrying only 100 pounds. If you can hang from a single truss with your hands, the load for the machine components will be far less. Still, span as many as you can, for insurance.So if I am able to buttress my skinny rafters to the point they can comfortably hold a couple hundred pounds,
I sure do, but it will be prudent to block such that it can't fall suddenly. You may be able to chain (or strap) the column/head assembly once it has been lifted.do you think I can lift the column and head (firgure 200 lbs?) with a come-a-long I already own, and clean out the joint area?
Or would I have to invest in a block and tackle?
Only if you have need to own one.
Assuming you can do that without trapping (and bending/breaking) any sheet metal or plastic covers, that's exactly where I'd recommend you attach your sling.And would it be OK to lift the column/head unit by wrapping a lifting strap choker-style around the head where it meets the column?
Make sure it can't slide off if the load shifts.
While 200 pounds is a considerable load for human hands, it's nothing in regards to mechanical means of lifting. A single ¼" bolt is very capable of handling that light load. Still, use caution. Should it drop and you are under the load, I expect it will ruin your day. Maybe your month.
Harold