Hi, I have doubts, would like to create on site group of technician for measurement of vibration of machines and be able to align machines. We have basic vibration data collector and plan to use it for basic diagnostics, how good/bad machine is.

That group has no experience on vibration at all and even professional alignment. I can train them on vibration but I can not help them much on alignment, even on dial comparators.

I have available two technicians and it is about 30 machines that need to be maintained. We plan to by alignment portable instrument, which will be laser probably, I want to skip dials.

Any experience advice how to do it, how to implement it. The basic list, I have it in mind but probably there is more experience professionals. It would be nice to have comments.

If you are planning to align direct coupled horizontal machines like a motor to pump, the alignment process itself is not too difficult. I assume that you will get a demonstration from likely vendors before you buy any product. This will give you a good idea on the basic alignment procedure. A good idea may be to get the vendor to commit to a training day in the purchase price.

Equally as important as the alignment process itself is ensuring that there is no soft foot condition or piping strain. In the past I have spent more time eliminating soft foot on a problem machine than I have carrying out the alignment.

You are right in thinking that a laser system is the best way to go. They are relatively simple to use and are accurate. As you become more proficient you can develop into offset alignments, straightness checks, vertical machines.