Stand for WM16B Milling Machine

Good morning All,

I need to build a stand/bench for my Warco WM16B milling machine. Any thoughts about a good ergonomic height for the milling machine table?

The Warco stand for said machine is 813mm tall. Does that sound about right? It would put the machine table height at about 980mm.

I did consider the Warco stand (& tray), but unless it's bolted to the floor, it looks a little unstable. I intend to build a largish bench for my mill, so stability shouldn't be an issue.

Rough guide is to get the Y-axis handwheel at about elbow height. It does depend also on how tall you are. Factor to bear in mind with the WM16B is that the Z-axis handwheel is at the top of the column and will be at the rear of whatever stand you build. Unless there is side access the Z-axis handwheel can take some stretching to reach.

John

Edit:Typo

Edited By Journeyman on 25/11/2021 11:28:09

A good ergonomic height is the one that suits the user, so work it out from the height your hands end up at when you pretend to twiddle the lead screws.

Does 980mm make you bend your neck too much?

Thank you John & Dave, some food for thought. I'll go and have a twiddle in the privacy of my workshop.

I brought the warco stand when I brought my mill but to me it seems a little too low but I have found if I sit on a stool it is the right height which for me can be idea as I have arthritis in my spine. But for simple jobs where I stand as I said above it is too low, It does say it is 720mm tall

Thank you Derek,

It looks like you have the WM18 mill. Not that it makes any difference, because I suspect all of the tables will end up at the same height.

I have a WM16 which I bought secondhand and it came with a Warco stand. The Warco measurement for the stand is correct at 813mm, though I have not used it. I extended my existing bench which is 930mm high and mounted the mill on that. Never having used a mill before, I don’t know if this is considered too high but I find it ok - I am about 5’8”.

If you go for the Warco stand, it will need to be bolted down.

Stuart

Edited By Stuart Smith 5 on 25/11/2021 13:23:54

I am 6ft and have Warco stand. Height is fine for me. Without a stand I would set it at kitchen worktop height.

Yes the stands are at different heights for the various machines in the range Viz:

• WM14 - 865mm
• WM16 - 813mm
• WM18 - 720mm

Smaller machines have higher stands. My own wooden bench for my WM14 mill is 889 (35" ) high which suits me at 6' 1" tall.

John

Edit:Remove emoji

Edited By Journeyman on 25/11/2021 13:47:46