kazlx
Well-known member
So, as I posted in my original build thread, I sold my fab table. I have been driving myself nuts the last couple days, since my table is pretty much the hub of my working area. The table was a complete beast. I loved it, but, like many, with the burden of trying to make due with limited amount of space, something had to change. My affinity for machine tools keeps growing, which means I had to make decisions.
I had ideas about how I would build another table if I got the chance. I have the ability to do all of the machining now, minus the grinding, in house. The last table was built around the 5/8" top and building pretty much the burliest frame I could using materials of opportunity.
I really liked using my old table, however, with my original small lathe, making some of the tooling was a chore. With my new Cadillac lathe, things go quite a bit faster. Tooling designs are going to be different and I plan on making a good amount of stuff right off the bat. I mainly used clamps I modified. Those all went with the old table.
The grid size will be smaller, with a 2x2 pattern, keeping the same 5/8" holes. I'm leaning toward changing the design on the end blocks, but that's the idea I had in my head when I drew it. The plates will be 1.25" thick, or possible 1.00 depending on pricing I can get. I told the wife I'd keep it under the $1400 I got from my old table. I will most likely send the plates out to be match ground, basically get them cleaned up. I will machine to length.
The main runners are hitch stock, so my accessory stuff, vise, etc, will still fit in on either end. Still need to design up the frame. I plan on bolting together everything to do with the plates and the main runners and then bolting that assembly to a welded frame.
I should be able to order materials this week and pick them up this Friday.
Here is what I have been working on, using Autodesk Fusion 360 (which is free btw, for CAD and CAM):
https://scontent-sjc2-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/17709_10153419036144168_5552840365037366202_n.jpg?oh=662bc5ae61a93a73a709effd86d3902f&oe=55E93B89
https://scontent-sjc2-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/l/t1.0-9/10984079_10153421380949168_8774046225604521616_n.jpg?oh=d15f7443757e75dea95a2e8f413f83b5&oe=561F15EA
I had ideas about how I would build another table if I got the chance. I have the ability to do all of the machining now, minus the grinding, in house. The last table was built around the 5/8" top and building pretty much the burliest frame I could using materials of opportunity.
I really liked using my old table, however, with my original small lathe, making some of the tooling was a chore. With my new Cadillac lathe, things go quite a bit faster. Tooling designs are going to be different and I plan on making a good amount of stuff right off the bat. I mainly used clamps I modified. Those all went with the old table.
The grid size will be smaller, with a 2x2 pattern, keeping the same 5/8" holes. I'm leaning toward changing the design on the end blocks, but that's the idea I had in my head when I drew it. The plates will be 1.25" thick, or possible 1.00 depending on pricing I can get. I told the wife I'd keep it under the $1400 I got from my old table. I will most likely send the plates out to be match ground, basically get them cleaned up. I will machine to length.
The main runners are hitch stock, so my accessory stuff, vise, etc, will still fit in on either end. Still need to design up the frame. I plan on bolting together everything to do with the plates and the main runners and then bolting that assembly to a welded frame.
I should be able to order materials this week and pick them up this Friday.
Here is what I have been working on, using Autodesk Fusion 360 (which is free btw, for CAD and CAM):
https://scontent-sjc2-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/17709_10153419036144168_5552840365037366202_n.jpg?oh=662bc5ae61a93a73a709effd86d3902f&oe=55E93B89
https://scontent-sjc2-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/l/t1.0-9/10984079_10153421380949168_8774046225604521616_n.jpg?oh=d15f7443757e75dea95a2e8f413f83b5&oe=561F15EA
. Very impressive. Way better design than my current one. mmmm Maybe i need to make a new bench when I have mine completed. I'll be following with great interest.