Rotary table centres

[Larry$]

Before you buy a RT figure out how much work piece Z space you will have left, especially if you are going to mount a chuck. I've mounted a tool makers vice a few times when multiples were going to be made. Quick part changeout. A real fixture would be better if it was going to be used for successive batches. .

 

[mickri]

I remember a thread awhile back where the size of rotary tables for round column mill/drills was discussed. The consensus seemed to be that 6" was about right, 8" was typically too big and 4" or smaller was too small. I would also look for the lowest table height because of the Z height issues. I know a chuck is easy to use. Yet if I ever get a rotary table I plan to make adjustable jaws to fit in the T slots. This should work just a good as a chuck with independent jaws.

 

[Janderso]

Since the center hole is mostly used for centering plugs, I favor a straight hole rather than a taper.

The C Gorton RT I bought from you has a straight hole. 1 1/2" I believe. Makes centering a snap.

 

[DavidR8]

I remember a thread awhile back where the size of rotary tables for round column mill/drills was discussed. The consensus seemed to be that 6" was about right, 8" was typically too big and 4" or smaller was too small. I would also look for the lowest table height because of the Z height issues. I know a chuck is easy to use. Yet if I ever get a rotary table I plan to make adjustable jaws to fit in the T slots. This should work just a good as a chuck with independent jaws.

I think 6" is the right size for an RF mill.
Good idea on the adjustable jaws...

 

[middle.road]

I think 6" is the right size for an RF mill.
Good idea on the adjustable jaws...

And easier to lift. Doesn't matter now but it will.
I remember fondly being able to throw mine around (10 years ago). . .

 

[Aaron_W]

You have an 8" table on that mill so I would think an 8" would fit, but the growth of RTs is not exactly linear so I'd go with what others with similar size mills suggest.

I have a 6" horizontal / vertical RT on my 6x24" Clausing, and it seems about right to me, but I also have a 4" RT for my Sherline. The 2" difference in size does make for a much larger piece of hardware than just 2" more would suggest.

4" Sherline and 6" Homge RTs sitting on the mill table, obviously the 4" is on top.

 

[DavidR8]

You have an 8" table on that mill so I would think an 8" would fit, but the growth of RTs is not exactly linear so I'd go with what others with similar size mills suggest.

I have a 6" horizontal / vertical RT on my 6x24" Clausing, and it seems about right to me, but I also have a 4" RT for my Sherline. The 2" difference in size does make for a much larger piece of hardware than just 2" more would suggest.

4" Sherline and 6" Homge RTs sitting on the mill table, obviously the 4" is on top.


View attachment 343349

Thanks Aaron, that's very illustrative!