Increasing Machine Tool Height for Improved Ergonomics

[JellyParticipant @jelly]

Posted by Kiwi Bloke on 11/04/2023 03:37:17:

Excuse a slight detour. Rather than standing, stooped, with aching back, at a machine, I (now) prefer to sit. I'm of average height, but my back still complains. Therefore, I like to mount bench machines on a bench/stand with knee-room below the machine. An office chair with quick-action height adjustment, and on wheels, is added luxury!

I like the idea, because I've used a pantograph which is specifically designed to be operated from a high stool, (complete with two operator foot-rests cast into the column) with all the controls positioned to be in easy reach of the sitting position, it is extremely ergonomic and a joy to operate.

However, sadly none of my machines is small enough for me to have that kind of reach to the controls from a seated position.

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

Posted by Jelly on 12/04/2023 12:39:00:

In that vein I have bought some concrete blocks which will form a suitably wide base to jack it up on.

Check the specification of the blocks. The very best concrete block you can buy is considerably lower strength than the worst concrete floor slab, in addition to not being contained at its perimeter.

A point load on a continuous floor slab will just drill a hole; a point load on a block (whether from the machine above or from a lump on the floor below) can shatter it.

[JellyParticipant @jelly]

Posted by DC31k on 12/04/2023 13:35:41:

Posted by Jelly on 12/04/2023 12:39:00:

In that vein I have bought some concrete blocks which will form a suitably wide base to jack it up on.

Check the specification of the blocks. The very best concrete block you can buy is considerably lower strength than the worst concrete floor slab, in addition to not being contained at its perimeter.

A point load on a continuous floor slab will just drill a hole; a point load on a block (whether from the machine above or from a lump on the floor below) can shatter it.

I bought them to a specified compressive strength approximately 2.5 times higher than the highest loading expected (based on the lathe mass and the area of the metal foot pads under the levelling bolts) and plan to bed them on a suitable mortar if I need to take up any unevenness in the floor.

I have seen the results of failure to consider floor loading in the past, in the form of a 100T mobile crane rollover at a neighbouring company, it didn't look like fun.

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