Mill a circle

[Paulc]

If one doesn't have a rotary table, how would you mill the  circumference of a circular piece with a small stem (think banjo shape)?

[Highpower]

Lots of facets... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTj6LC6agrg

A mill with a digital readout that has an arc function will work too.

[Paulc]

Looks good. Have to give it a try.
Thanks for the tip.

[Dr Stan]

It could also be accomplished using a fixture with some stop pins assuming one could have a pin hole in the center of the circle. Just make sure you conventional mill, not climb mill.

[rleete]

You are looking at this all wrong. You NEED a rotary table. Use this opportunity to buy yourself a new (or used) rotary table.

"Honey, I gotta have one. It's the only way to finish my project."

[Paulc]

(10-18-2019, 08:36 AM)rleete Wrote: You are looking at this all wrong.  You NEED a rotary table.  Use this opportunity to buy yourself a new (or used) rotary table.

"Honey, I gotta have one.  It's the only way to finish my project."

You're really making it hard to not get a rotary table.

[Dr Stan]

(10-18-2019, 03:11 PM)Paulc Wrote:

(10-18-2019, 08:36 AM)rleete Wrote: You are looking at this all wrong.  You NEED a rotary table.  Use this opportunity to buy yourself a new (or used) rotary table.

"Honey, I gotta have one.  It's the only way to finish my project."

You're really making it hard to not get a rotary table.

But rleete is correct.  How do you think I ended up with a 24 X 48 X 12ft shop packed full of tools?  

And yes I have a rotary table and an indexer.

[Highpower]

(10-18-2019, 03:11 PM)Paulc Wrote:

(10-18-2019, 08:36 AM)rleete Wrote: You are looking at this all wrong.  You NEED a rotary table.  Use this opportunity to buy yourself a new (or used) rotary table.

"Honey, I gotta have one.  It's the only way to finish my project."

You're really making it hard to not get a rotary table.

Keep in mind that a rotary table has more uses than just cutting circles and arcs. They are also useful for indexing/dividing as well.

[Dr Stan]

Just added a HT furnace to my "need" list.

[Paulc]

You guys are quite persuasive  .
Finally broke down and ordered a rotary table.

Now just have to figure out how to use it!