Seeking opinion on cross slide rotary tables

[auto.pilot]

I'm typically not a fan of multi purpose devices, but would like some advice on a rotary cross slide like the one shown here:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=321034243904&globalID=EBAY-US

My primary use would be drilling, since I don't own a mill.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, both on this type of device and on the Palmgren brand. I am on a budget, so multiple cross slide and rotary tables are out of the question.

 

[Pacer]

I had a Craftsman (Palmgren) and it was one of the most disappointing tools I have ever had. With it standing tall like it is there was so much flex that even for the slightest cross feed it would do the shimmy/shake something awful - and the cost!! YOW!! I got rid of it pretty quickly and bought one of these for MUCH less money and it actually performed better the the other... I have had the 6" version now for some 10-12 yrs on my drill press and it is a most handy tool.

They even have them at HF, seems like something around $50 or so -- and with a 20% off coupon....

http://tinyurl.com/beeuuqx

 

[george wilson]

Palmgren always made JUNK. Sears even sold them rebadged as Craftsman. Their dovetails were just fairly roughly milled. Never a well finished tool. Overpriced as hell. I think their stuff is imported now. Why? Because their rotary table tops now seem to have a DECENTLY ground finish.

 

[McRuff]

Ok we need to define a true rotary cross slide table, that one posted is not one.
A true rotary cross slide has the rotary table on the bottom and the 2 cross slide axis mounted above it. That way when you true up the rotary part the cross slides can be cranked off center and still turn true radii. those cheap Palmgren will not.
Look at this Advance rotary cross slide table and you will instantly see what I mean. This is a great table, rather expensive but a true useable cross slide table.

 

[sl66fl]

I'm typically not a fan of multi purpose devices, but would like some advice on a rotary cross slide like the one shown here:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=321034243904&globalID=EBAY-US

My primary use would be drilling, since I don't own a mill.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, both on this type of device and on the Palmgren brand. I am on a budget, so multiple cross slide and rotary tables are out of the question.

I ended up with an x-y table from enco . It was suitable at the time but was probably to much for my drill press. It made me want to do more mill type functions. The rotory table and crosslide willconsume some height particularly with a vise.
The x-y vise seems to be good advise for drill press work and the moneny saved can go towards the future hobbytools.
I donot regretmy decision but it made me realze that even an x2 would open up options that I do not have now.I amfar from an expert this is day one on the forum

 

[Richard D]

Ok we need to define a true rotary cross slide table, that one posted is not one.
A true rotary cross slide has the rotary table on the bottom and the 2 cross slide axis mounted above it. That way when you true up the rotary part the cross slides can be cranked off center and still turn true radii. those cheap Palmgren will not.
Look at this Advance rotary cross slide table and you will instantly see what I mean. This is a great table, rather expensive but a true useable cross slide table.

What size is this table, 15"x15"? What size mill would it fit?

 

[McRuff]

What size is this table, 15"x15"? What size mill would it fit?

That one pictured should be an 11"x 11" it will fit and work fine a 9"x 49" Bridgeport style machine. Weighs around 300lbs
I have not used one for several years now due to CNC availability but used one a lot in the 80's and 90's on a Bridgeport making die cast molds and electrodes for EDM work.
The little Palmgren style are a total waste of money and will not do cross slide work at all, they are more for a drill press than a milling machine.

 

[Richard D]

So a 15"x15" would probably be too big for a Millrite with an 8"x32" table, right?

That one pictured should be an 11"x 11" it will fit and work fine a 9"x 49" Bridgeport style machine. Weighs around 300lbs
I have not used one for several years now due to CNC availability but used one a lot in the 80's and 90's on a Bridgeport making die cast molds and electrodes for EDM work.
The little Palmgren style are a total waste of money and will not do cross slide work at all, they are more for a drill press than a milling machine.

 

[Pacer]

Ummm... fellas, it would be prudent to maybe reread the OPs post and notice that he doesnt have a mill and needs a fixture to drill holes....