Lightweight Milling Table

I have seen this Link Removed see CofC on e-bay. My thoughts were that one could form the basis of a lightweight mill for delicate work on clocks, but it might be that they are just too flimsy.

Does anyone has any experience of them?

James.

Edited By JasonB on 19/11/2020 07:56:02

The updated CofC makes such questions futile, James

You need to find a ‘reputable supplier’ of a similar product, and ask for opinions on that.

MichaelG.

Not really Michael, if the question is worded with some thought then I don't see it as futile, eg

I have seen several "lightweight milling tables" on e-bay etc in the form of extruded tables and brightly coloured fittings. Does anybody have experience.........................

Those with actual experience will know from that what tables are being discussed, those that want to look can no doubt search for the item and offer an opinion on what they see on the screen. It may hamper discussion but should not stop it.

Thanks for that, Jason

I now feel at liberty to discuss the one offered at a price of £19 including free delivery, from a seller based in Switzerland.

It looks remarkable value for money, but probably does not have great accuracy and repeatability.

If I didn’t already have the BCA and a wide assortment of microscope stages to choose from, I would almost certainly buy one ‘for development’

... it seems a very decent price, even if only considered as a kit.

MichaelG.

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P.S. __ my “such questions” was a reference to the use of an ebay link

The other governing factor would be what does James plan to use to drive the cutter, if mounted on an old bench drill then that would not be ideal for small cutters. If some form of high speed spindle was mounted above with a means to control Z height then it may be more use.

These originated as Proxxon products. I bought one to use for coordinate drilling on a Proxxon drill and it is useless. Flimsy and too small to clamp anything but the smallest workpieces. You an also get cast iron versions, I don't know if they are any better.

Guessing here as I didn't see the link, but maybe the comment refered to the low cost copies of what appears to be the Proxxon KT70 table

I have considered getting one of the inexpensive Ebay verisons to use on a base plate with a Sherline milling column to make a stand alone small milling machine - just have to swap the headstock from the lathe onto the milling column as required. My long bed Sherline "kit" included the column, milling vice & indexing attachment, but the short cross slide travel limits it's usefullness. The Chinese offering is a lot cheaper than the Proxxon, though it is not apparent from pictures as to whether or not the build quality is acceptable or not.

Considering, though, is as far as I have got so far.

Nigel B.

I confess to showing my ignorance, but what does "the updated C of C mean"?

Regards,

James

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Have a look at the two hyperlinks which are displayed immediately above the

( Add Posting ) button that you used at 12:05:38

CofC = Code of Conduct

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 19/11/2020 12:51:45

I have seen several variations of the little tables and would think that they would be entirely suitable for the basis of a mini mill holding cutters up to 5mm.

Thank you for clarifying.

My thoughts were, as suggested, to mount a high speed spindle on a frame with some form of height adjustment and to use it with small slot drills. I still aspire to build a clock and I wondered whethr this might be a better option than relying on the vertical slide on the lathe.

Update. Just found some reviews of the device on Amazon: not good reading.

Regards,

James.

Edited By James Alford on 19/11/2020 23:04:44

If you look up "Compound Table" on ebay, there's a couple of different cast iron ones starting @ £52.87 from the UK up to £80 odd for a Proxxon
Never used either though.

Bill

Aside from the challenge and enjoyment of constructing your own workshop machinery, you might find it easier to purchase a small milling machine that is already complete and works.

However, machine tools that have the words "robust", "rigid", and "precise" in their description (and reviews) do tend to cost a little more than those that also include the word "not". (The obvious exception to this is some of the machines made by Proxxon which while not cheap are perhaps better suited to the needs of those involved in model making and handicrafts rather than model engineering and horology.)

I have no hesitation in recommending the Sieg SX1LP which I purchased from Arc. Similar machines for a similar price are available from Chronos, Chester, Axminster, etc. Each is slightly different so it is worth comparing all of them to find the one that is right for you.

If a lack of funds or inherent tight-fistedness is an issue, you may like to consider a second-hand machine with the usual caveat that (where it is practical to do so) you should examine the machine in person before purchase and know what to look for. G&M Tools might be a good place to start your search and, if nothing else, may be a source of inspiration.

Update. Just found some reviews of the device on Amazon: not good reading.

I just looked up the same product I had seen on Ebay on Amazon - I took a somewhat different view of the reviews ?

Of 296 reviews of the "KKmoon" version, 65% are 4 or 5 star ratings. If you read the content of the 3 start ratings (another 17%) then most are actually quite happy with the device., Most of the 1 and 2 star reviews seem to have been expecting jig borer quality straight out of the box & gripe mainly about having to make adjustments.

As with most Chinese hobby tools, some adjustment & maybe taking off a few sharp edges seems to be required. Is that really the end of the world with a £20 light weight compound table ?

Nigel B.

It is interesting that the same device is available on Amazon from a variety of suppliers at a range of prices. There is quite a range of reviews as well. I do agree, though, that for £20.00 or so, I would be unreasonable to expect too much. At the price, I shall probably give one a try.

James.