I just bought this huge rotary table ...but it needs fixin!

[xalky]

I just bought this huge rotary table ...but it needs fixin! UPDATE-IT WORKS!

I peruse craigs list for bargains and I came across this Rotary table. The ad said that it didn't work. I really couldn't tell how big it was in the photos and the guy could'nt give me a good answer over the phone. Alls I knew is that it was bigger than 12". So I went to take a look at it. Here it is.




The table top is almost 19 3/4" across.
The table top is in really good shape, doesn't look like it was used much. Probably because nobody wanted to move it, it's gotta weigh 400lbs. I did get it to spin about 120 degrees and then it gets real stiff real, i didn't want to force it. I'm thinking it's either really gummed up inside or some teeth are stripped. I can spin the table top manually, without the hand wheel, and thats pretty free. All the parts seem to be there. The Brand name is WALTER, made in west germany.

This thing has got to be worth a pretty penny all fixed up. I paid $50 for it.

Has anybody ever repaired one of these? How would i start to take this apart?


Marcel

 

[Maxx]

WOW! That sure looks like a hernia maker!
Makes my 12" look like it came from a Cracker Jack box........

 

[xalky]

IT WORKS :winner: MEEE!!!! I just figured out how it works. The large knurled collar turns about a 1/2 turn to engage and disengage the worm shaft, it's like a cam that must back the the shaft away from the gear. It's almost a good thing I didn't figure it out at the guys shop where i bought it. It works perfectly. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with it except for it could use a good clean and paint. Holy crap...I can't believe it.

 

[DMS]

GREAT SCOTT! That's a huge table. Also, you probably paid less than scrap for it. I really hope you have a small crane for moving that around the shop.

 

[kd4gij]

IT WORKS :winner: MEEE!!!! I just figured out how it works. The large knurled collar turns about a 1/2 turn to engage and disengage the worm shaft, it's like a cam that must back the the shaft away from the gear. It's almost a good thing I didn't figure it out at the guys shop where i bought it. It works perfectly. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with it except for it could use a good clean and paint. Holy crap...I can't believe it.

So are you going to rotate your mill with it.:roflmao:

 

[xalky]

GREAT SCOTT! That's a huge table. Also, you probably paid less than scrap for it. I really hope you have a small crane for moving that around the shop.

I have an engine hoist. Thats how I got it out of my truck.

So are you going to rotate your mill with it.:roflmao:

Hey, thats a great idea.

Now that I know it works, I'm probably gonna clean it, strip it, tune it up, and paint it. Then I'm gonna try to trade it for something a little more useful to me. Theres a few used machine dealers in this area that might take it in trade for something. I tried to walk away from it, but I couldn't pass it up for $50. Here's the funnier part I really thought I was buying a project, so I offered the guy $40 dollars for it, then he came back at me with $47, and I almost walked away then, but it's like I just couldn't let that thing go. He was trying to sell it to a steampunk artist...I just wasn't gonna let some artist take it apart and weld angle iron to it. :huh: I let him have the extra 3 bucks,...he earned it helping me get it in my truck.)

 

[Glmphoto]

Awsome table. Great deal too. Hope to see more pics as you go.

 

[DMS]

kd4gij brings up a good point. I imagine if that doesn't work out (and your dining room table is stout enough) that it would make a very nice "lazy Susan".

 

[george wilson]

I was going to tell you exactly that: The worm was disengaged!!

And,an "artist" who would weld stuff to it is no artist. I myself am a "machinist artist" and would never deface machinery or nice accessories.Look in the 'Mods at work" section for my work.

I think you should try to sell the fixed table locally unless you have something large enough to accommodate it. I have super heavy tables myself I ought to sell as I'm too old to handle them. I hate the thought of crating them,though.

 

[xalky]

I was going to tell you exactly that: The worm was disengaged!!

It was actually at it's mid point, not fully engaged or disengaged. like the faces of the gears must have been right against each other. When I went to see it I could barely get it to turn and I couldn't free wheel the table either. It really felt like the worm was mashed up inside.

And,an "artist" who would weld stuff to it is no artist. I myself am a "machinist artist" and would never deface machinery or nice accessories.Look in the 'Mods at work" section for my work.

I think you should try to sell the fixed table locally unless you have something large enough to accommodate it. I have super heavy tables myself I ought to sell as I'm too old to handle them. I hate the thought of crating them,though.

I'm thinking, if i keep it, I"ll make a low stand for it on wheels. I could bolt a steel plate to it and use it as a welding rotary table when it's not being used as a rotary table. Shop space is limited and every item needs to serve a purpose to earn thier keep around here.
How much do you think it would be worth cleaned up, painted and mechanically sound? I'm debating on wether I should keep it or sell it.

Marcel