Worktop suitable for small mill

I’m looking at purchasing the Sieg SX2P mill but want to mount it on my current workbench, looking at the workbench that’s available from Arc Euro I’m wondering if what I already have will be strong enough.

Unfortuantely the user manual for the bench/drawers doesn’t give any information on load capacity.

This is the worktop/bench in question, was thinking it would be mounted on the worktop in between the 7 drawer and larger cupboard so would have the main support underneath from both cupboards. The Sieg weighs in at approx 70kg and I’m 80kg and have stood on it to reach something on top and no flexi on but obviously long term I’m unsure

Edited By Curtis Rutter on 07/08/2021 14:58:55

Edited By Curtis Rutter on 07/08/2021 15:05:00

Edited By Curtis Rutter on 07/08/2021 15:06:45

The SX2P's net weight is 60KG.

Unless you're going to be bolting unfeasibly heavy items to the milling table I'd be astonished if that bench couldn't support the mill's weight long term.

I was looking at this problem last year, metal cabinets are good for about 100kg each, however they can rattle and wobble so I would advise that you brace the tops to the wall, and to each other very rigidly. your floor is wonderful so I won't mention levelling.

Thank you

Good thinking, can easily enough brace them to the garage brick wall with a bolt or two on top of them being bolted to each other already

I thought you were showing us your kitchen

...your workshop is cleaner than my kitchen...

Just a couple of observations on where you intend to place the mill, just check the height from your worktop to the overhead lockers, maximum height of the SX2P with the head raised is approximately 750mm.

The other thing to consider is that the hand wheel for the X axis is on the right hand side of the table, if you position the mill over the draw and cupboard join you may find yourself with a long reach for the hand wheel over the angled worktop. You have probably thought about that already.

Your workshop looks too nice to be covered in nasty swarf!

Neil

I had my SX2P bolted to a couple of kitchen cabinets, eight feet 40kg max each. All was no trouble without them being fixed to anything. With a corner unit as shown doubt you would have any problem.

I have my Centec 2A (365lbs) on a similar cabinet, apart from mines on wheels, thats a 100kg more than yours.

If you are worried, why not reinforce the entire top with a single fitted piece of 19mm plywood.

I was going to suggest reinforcing either with thick ply, or with steel plate., (3mm steel will reinforce the worktop quite well ) If you could clamp some thin Ali or steel bent upm into man angle (16 gauge or thinner, around the edges, that would make the steel reinforcement into a swarf tray as well.

Howard

Perfect that’s good to know

That’s a great idea, better than having the swarf and any cutting fluid/Lubricant going all over the worktop!

Edited By Curtis Rutter on 07/08/2021 22:01:28

The original x2 I had needed to be raised slightly on a plinth so you could turn the front handle without your hand hitting the worktop.

I don't know if this is still necessary on the revised new version, but it helps dissipate the weight a bit also, that worktop you have looks plenty thick enough on its own anyway.

I have my SX2P sitting on an extension to one end of a bench, made up of a 2" x 1" top frame clad with two thicknesses of 12mm ply standing on four 3" x 2" legs and its fine.

Looking at your bench I don't think you will have any problems assuming the worktop sits on top of the cabinets which you say it does it will be more than strong enough.

Re a swarf/oil tray I found a shallow baking tray which the mill base sits in, saves having to make one. If you search around you can find quite large ones that fit larger type ovens.

Ron

Good idea

Don't forget the extra height need for a draw bar swap.

Robert Butler

You don't need to worry about the draw bar, it extracts completely within the height of the motor beside it, although you don't need to take it completely very often, mine usually stays in place even if there is no cutter attached.

Neil

Yes, I've got my SX2P on a 1" high plinth. Without it, I'd have bruised fingers.

I've got mine on a home made table, with access to the front and both ends. I think I'd find it very restrictive to work with, boxed in like the O/P is planning, but I suppose it depends to an extent on what work they're doing with it.

Edited By Dr_GMJN on 14/08/2021 17:15:58

I didn't stand my SX2 on a plinth I positioned it so the front of the base casting was at the front edge of the bench which means the Y handwheel over hangs and is clear of the bench. The bottom of the X handwheel sits 2 inches above the bench and is fine.

Ron

I have to clout the top of the drawbar bolt with a soft hammer to break the taper join, so you need room for that too (unless there’s a less medieval method I’ve missed?).