Need help choosing a rotary table size

[ricracer16]

Hey Guys,

I'm in need of a rotary table for my HF minimill.
The table dimensions: 15-7/8" x 3-11/16"

I tried a really small 4" rotary table but it was too small. And i'm afraid that a 6" maybe to big. Not sure.

Any and all advise is greatly appreciated.

[Rif]

Hello,

While a 4-inch rotary table is pretty small, I have a 6-inch model and it would probably be way too big. There is a big size (and weight) difference between the two.

Sherline uses a 4-inch table and your table has similar dimensions.

Why is a 4-inch table too small?

Regards,

Brian

[JCHannum]

If you already have an RT, why not make a larger table for it.

[gary350]

You can buy 4", 6" and 8" rotary tables on Ebay real cheap. I bought an 8" for $75 it is almost too small but I manage to make it work. I need to have room for the clamps a 4" part in the center only gives me 2" all the way around for clamps. I always have to make special clamps for each job to make it work. I have been watching Ebay for a cheap 10" rotary table.

[Toolguy]

Rotary Table

You could just make a 6" or larger round plate out of 1/2" aluminum and bolt it to the top of the 4" rotary table, then mount the project to that. A 6" rotary table might be getting too big for your mill. Might check out www.littlemachineshop.com and see what they have.

[ricracer16]

Hello,

While a 4-inch rotary table is pretty small, I have a 6-inch model and it would probably be way too big. There is a big size (and weight) difference between the two.

Sherline uses a 4-inch table and your table has similar dimensions.

Why is a 4-inch table too small?

Regards,

Brian

Sorry it was a 3" Here is the information. It was impossible to work. Those clamps don't work at all. I couldn't get the thing to hold the aluminum block that I was trying to work.

Description of Central Machinery 98077

This 3" diameter table rotates a full 360° and can be used in the horizontal or vertical position. Includes two hold-down clamps.

Maybe a 4" would work?

Cast iron body and table
Cast aluminum hand crank
Knurled brass table-locking thumbscrew
Table dimensions: 2-15/16" diameter x 1/2" H
Overall dimensions: 5-1/2" L x 4-1/2" W x 1-5/8" H

[D_Harris]

Deciding what you need before you use it is the most difficult part of this hobby.

As for a rotary table I went through the same thing for a while and ended up getting the smallest 6" rotary table with a good reputation I could get for my HF mini mill/drill.

I narrowed it down between the Phase II and the Vertex, and went with the Vertex.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll257/Statenislander/Tools/Vertex2.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll257/Statenislander/Tools/Vertex1.jpg

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll257/Statenislander/Tools/Vertex3.jpg

(I just haven't tried to use it yet).

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York

[RTPBurnsville]

A 4 inch Grizzly table was to small for my mini-mill. At least it was for the things I attempted to make at the time. If a 6 inch is anything like my 8 inch I would guess that it would be to big for the mini-mill.

[D_Harris]

I know that there is a big difference between six and eight inches rotary tables.

I've always wondered why no one came out with a 5" model. (There would seem to be a market).

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York

[SGW]

What JCHannum said: make a larger-diameter plate and attach it to the top of the R/T. Consider it sacrificial and drill/tap holes in it for hold-downs as you need them. Or try to anticipate and drill/tap a series of strategically arranged holes ahead of time. 1/2" thick aluminum plate might be a good choice.

[JoeLee]

I don't think there is anything between a 4" and a 5" table. The sizes don't run like shoes. I have an 8" and have a 8" chuck mounted to most of the time and it works out quite well for me. Bigger would be nice but you also have to take into consideration the weight. Next you'll need a crane or lift table to take the thing on an off the mill.

JL...............