I am planning to buy a rotary table (rotary table + chuck adapter + dividing plates + tailstock) set for my G0704 milling machine. After some research I have come down to a choice between Phase II and Vertex. I am looking for advise on 1) whether I should get the Phase II or a Vertex? and 2) Should I get a 6" or an 8" rotary table? I have noticed many pictures on machinist websites where the rotary table is wider than the milling table so I was thinking this would work for the G0704 as well. Besides an 8" table would be more versatile than a smaller 6" table.
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G0704 - Rotary Table
- Thread starter tkollen
- Start date
Here is my 6" Phase II. Note the overhang. An 8" rotary table may drastically reduce the cross slide travel. The locking pin on the backside is the main problem with the travel. Besides the overhang, remember there may be a weight issue to consider. When I went to add a 4 jaw 6" chuck atop the the rotary table I talked to Grizzly. IIRC they told me the maximum weight on the mill table was 125# centered.
I am now thinking about getting a 4" because the 6" is often too wide and too high. The set up as shown can only be done on a less than 2.5" thick part or you run out of z distance to remove the tool and still maintain the table locked in x and y to keep the center. This can be critical when switching from the drill chuck or end mill holder to the boring tool.
I am now thinking about getting a 4" because the 6" is often too wide and too high. The set up as shown can only be done on a less than 2.5" thick part or you run out of z distance to remove the tool and still maintain the table locked in x and y to keep the center. This can be critical when switching from the drill chuck or end mill holder to the boring tool.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2012
- Messages
- 924
I went through a similar quest, and ended up getting the 6" vertex and here is why:
1. you can mount an 8" face plate on the 6" table making the surface larger for clamping, but you can't make the 8" smaller if you run into travel limitations (table and/or spindle travel)
2. 6" RT is heavy but manageable (about the same ballpart as a quality 4" vise), the 8" RT would be much heavier to handle putting on and off the mill table and storage/shelf.
3. of the vertex vs. phase II I found the vertex to have superior machining and hardware. plus the total height of the table in horizontal mode is lower (AFAIR) giving a tad bit more spindle travel if need be. that said, they are pretty similar, so if you get a great deal on one vs. the other that could be the deal setter.
here's my write up when I got mine, and some pictures of it on top of an SX3 for sizing consideration (horizontal and vertical positions):
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/entry.php/26-Vertex-6-quot-H-V-Rotary-Table-for-a-Benchtop-mill-(SX3)
1. you can mount an 8" face plate on the 6" table making the surface larger for clamping, but you can't make the 8" smaller if you run into travel limitations (table and/or spindle travel)
2. 6" RT is heavy but manageable (about the same ballpart as a quality 4" vise), the 8" RT would be much heavier to handle putting on and off the mill table and storage/shelf.
3. of the vertex vs. phase II I found the vertex to have superior machining and hardware. plus the total height of the table in horizontal mode is lower (AFAIR) giving a tad bit more spindle travel if need be. that said, they are pretty similar, so if you get a great deal on one vs. the other that could be the deal setter.
here's my write up when I got mine, and some pictures of it on top of an SX3 for sizing consideration (horizontal and vertical positions):
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/entry.php/26-Vertex-6-quot-H-V-Rotary-Table-for-a-Benchtop-mill-(SX3)
Good points, and looking at your pictures I tend to agree that with a Phase II table you shouldn't go higher than 6". Here is why I'm going back and forth between Phase II and Vertex (a Yuasa style table), both brands seem to have a good reputation. The pictures below show a 6" Phase II table and an 8" Vertex table, where the Phase II table has a proportionally larger base. Looking at their specs it seems that their foot prints are about the same. Also the height (horizontally) is about the same. The Vertex table is however heavier than the Phase II table, 70 lbs vs. 50 lbs. Both tables are available with all accessories I'm looking for, dividing plates etc, for about the same price. Bottom line is that with the Vertex I get more rotary table top, so before I pull the trigger on an 8" Vertex I'm looking forward to some encouragement from someone with experience with this rotary table on a g0704 (or similar size) milling machine.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2012
- Messages
- 924
no problems. I think both 6" and 8" could be made to work - each with it's own pros and cons. it really boils down to which pros are more important to you, or more likely - which cons would less affect you
FYI -the larger table surface of the 8" may not be all that valuable to you, if you work on projects that won't fit between 2 slots to be clamped down properly in which case you would end up having to fabricate some sort of mounting plate to go over the RT - which - well - would be just the same if you used the 6" table. think about what projects you will be using this for, maybe that would help make the decision. I myself was SET on getting an 8" - in fact, I was considering originally between an 8" and a 10" knowing that the 8" could work, but wanted the extra size/slots of the 10" and DEFINITELY did NOT WANT a smallish 6" ... ironic I know.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2012
- Messages
- 924
yes it does.