Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: rotary table as 4th axis

My 4" Sherline rotary table is mounted vertically (permanently so, since
that is all I use). It has a VERY convenient adapter plug to mount
Sherlines 3 or 4-jaw chucks. I generally make a part on the lathe and leave
it chucked and then transfer it to the rotary table for CNC cutting around
the circumference of my rings. I could be doing it all wrong and
bass-ackwards, but it sure works perfectly for what I need.

You will find MANY people using CNC rotary tables with their mills.

Daniel J. Statman, Statman Designs
www.statmandesigns.com
dan.statman@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "R Rogers" <rogersmach@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2004 3:06 PM
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: rotary table as 4th axis


>
> Jon, I agree. Rotary tables have no chuck generally making setup more
difficult in a vertical configuration. Using them horizontally is waste of
time because any 2-axis CNC machine is more than adequate for any machining
that the rotary table would be capable of. In short, rotary tables are
dinosaurs for CNC. To use them vertically means if they have no 90 degree
plane they have to be mounted to an angle plate. And to run between centers
involves the use of a lathe dog and a tailstock. Or mount a chuck on their
table which involves dialing in and all that. For my 4th axis I use an
tilting index head with integrated 3-jaw chuck. Its ability to tilt makes
possible the helical slotting and machining of cones or tapered diameters. A
rotary table can do this as well but involves a huge sine plate. And they
arent cheap. Find an old tilting index head and throw a servo on it. They
are much more massive and precision with regard to their gearing and the
ability to take up all backla!
> sh. I had
> two rotary tables an 8" and a 12" when I got my CNC up and running they
went Ebaying. They're for manual machines, not CNC.
>
> Ron
>