Model Engine Maker

Supporting => Tooling & Machines => Topic started by: tghs on October 03, 2019, 05:29:15 PM

Title: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: tghs on October 03, 2019, 05:29:15 PM
I'm starting to think about adding a 4" or so rotary table to use with my LMS 3990 mini mill,, without breaking the bank,, any thoughts on the good, the bad and the ugly..
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: crueby on October 03, 2019, 05:30:48 PM
The Sherline rotary table is a very nice one, you can pick them up used occasionally on Fleabay if you dont want to pay new prices. Small, but works very well.
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: AOG on October 03, 2019, 06:34:34 PM
I agree the Sherline is the way to go for a mini mill. The biggest advantage it has is how short it is. A regular rotary table leaves you with very little room in the z axis once you add a chuck or faceplate.

Tony 
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: sco on October 03, 2019, 07:04:12 PM
I think it depends if you plan to use toe clamps to hold things on the table - 4" leaves precious little space for clamps which can get frustrating.  If you are going to mount a 4-jaw to the table then no problem.

Simon.
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: crueby on October 03, 2019, 07:50:16 PM
I think it depends if you plan to use toe clamps to hold things on the table - 4" leaves precious little space for clamps which can get frustrating.  If you are going to mount a 4-jaw to the table then no problem.

Simon.
I agree with that, for mine I made a rectangular plate with rows of threaded holes for larger parts.
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: Kim on October 04, 2019, 05:57:11 AM
If you're looking for a small rotary table, I agree - the Sherline is the way to go.  Nice quality and works well.  Yes, 4" doesn't leave you a ton of room for clamping, but a 6" doesn't fit as well on a small mill.  I've loved my 4" Sherline, still use it often, even though I have a bigger 8" one now too. :)

Kim
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: b.lindsey on October 04, 2019, 04:55:52 PM
Another vote for Sherline. Not cheap, but well made and versatile and can be used horizontally or vertically.

Bill
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: GordonL on October 04, 2019, 05:09:41 PM
I made one and it works well. It is a lot of work but the experience that you gain is great.

http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/mill/rotary/rotary1.html
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: bent on October 04, 2019, 06:26:57 PM
Nice writeup Gordon.  Bookmarked...for a maybe future project. :praise2:
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: Firebird on October 04, 2019, 07:18:08 PM
Hi

When I bought a 4" table and tried it on my X1 mill there was very little room left so I carried out this mod

http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,3797.msg68969.html#msg68969

Unfortunately the photos are blurry (thanks to photosuckit) but you should be able to make out what I did

Cheers

Rich
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: mike mott on October 04, 2019, 07:42:00 PM
Gordon I just finished going through your build log of the rotary table, very nice I am always amazed by what can be done with a small lathe.

Mike
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: Vixen on October 04, 2019, 08:06:55 PM
Make sure you can adjust out and eliminate any backlash in the worm/wheel gears. For some reason the effects of backlash can be more noticeable in the smaller rotary tables.

Mike
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: crueby on October 04, 2019, 10:09:49 PM
The sherline table has an adjustment for it, two screws on the bottom to loosen the worm gear and tighten it up.
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: GordonL on October 04, 2019, 11:45:39 PM
FYI. I built one but that was not my writeup. I just posted the link. Sorry, I did not mean to imply that it was my design.
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: steamer on October 13, 2019, 01:43:53 AM
http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,8712.0.html

Adapting a Sherline Rotary table to my Aciera F1

Dave
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: Firebird on October 13, 2019, 08:34:28 AM
Hi

I don't know if this will be any help, its my build of a 7" rotary table.

Unfortunately PHOTOSUCKIT have seen fit to blur all the photos

http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,2375.0.html

Cheers

Rich
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: Mosey on October 13, 2019, 03:08:34 PM
Well, I guess it's time. My F1 is now for sale as I haven't used it in months.
Title: Re: 4 inch rotary table
Post by: 90LX_Notch on October 13, 2019, 04:05:54 PM
Well, I guess it's time. My F1 is now for sale as I haven't used it in months.

I wish I could afford it Mosey.  You are so close to me, it would be easy to come and get it.

Bob
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