New Combo Lathe Mill Surface

[h20ham]

I have purchased a combo lathe mill, 22” 12” height 600lbs.
Have concrete floor, and am planning a metal table with a drain. Of course the table will have slope to collect fluid.
I am wondering for grip and keeping the metal off the metal, if using some wire mesh between, but it would make it more difficult to clean.
Any thoughts gents?

 

[cruzer75]

Are you planning on running coolant? Worried about cutting oil on concrete?

Trying to understand what the problem your solving for.

 

[h20ham]

Table will have drain, and collection. I am wondering what to have between table and mill to give space for air to keep rust down

 

[Aaron_W]

Unless you plan on running a coolant system, there isn't a ton of fluid run off and many common cutting fluids are oil based anyway so there shouldn't be much of a rust issue between the lathe mounts and the base. Usually the machine sits directly on the bench top or drip pan and you just sweep up the chips and wipe down any excess fluids occasionally. You can paint the table surface for added rust prevention if you like.

 

[h20ham]

Next question please. I would like to make a table for it, about 44” long, and 20” deep.
The table top, I am guessing should be more than 1/8 thick, and less than 1/4. Legs I was planning would be 1/1 0.065. Again the mill weighs about 500lbs.
Should I go thicker? Legs, and deck please

 

[matt_i]

Imo biggest thing you should worry about is rigidity, X-brace or use stiffener panels in all directions.

I wouldn't put any structure under a machine tool with less than a 1/4" wall....but that's just me.

 

[h20ham]

Thank You matt_i
Cross braces, thanks. Was going angle iron on the edge too. Tie it to the floor and wall.

ah,,,cant wait. Got most of my tooling.
my grandfather had a tool and die business, made product for GM and Ford, then the war effort. My father is happy I took a bit at school back in the 80’s and am doing this…

thanks for the help. I will have more questions, I am hoping I will get some time to play.

 

[PoorUB]

I would over build the **** out of it. Not just to hold the weight, but you want a rigid, solid base. I might go to 1-1/2" 3/16" wall tubing, all welded, with substantial adjustable feet so you can level the table. Put a 1/4" plate top on it and a shelf near the floor, but high enough to clean the floor under it. Use some 4" x 1/4 flat iron 90 degrees down from the top to stiffen the top and weld to the legs.
Build it once and do it right. I see guys try to skimp on stuff like this and they are not happy in the end and build a second one.