Part support while milling

[Paulc]

What does one use to shim under a flat part when edge milling on a rotary rable?

Don't want to gouge the table inadvertently.

[Hawkeye]

MDF or other fairly 'precise' particle board makes a good sacrificial backing.

[Highpower]

Or make a fixture plate (aluminum is popular) that will screw to your rotary table and you have a clean flat surface that you can drill and tap anywhere you want for clamping plates. You can cut into it many times without harming the tables surface, and once it gets too chewed up you can mill the top of the plate flat again. Or just make another one.

Size and shape to your desire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiRoeOop1v4

[rleete]

I will second the sacrificial aluminum top plate.

Make it thick enough to recess the screws (I use button head) and also give some room to fly cut it once it starts getting cut up too much. I started with a chunk of 1/2", a few years ago, and I will get at least a couple more before I have to replace it.

[Paulc]

Thanks. All great ideas to try out.

[Vinny]

I just compared some prices of 12x12x0.5" flat 60611-T651 plate. Speedy is about $54. Xometry is $27 !!!

[Paulc]

They also do custom shapes now too - squares with holes, flanges with holes, rings, etc. Don't know what the prices are for this but could be interesting.

[Highpower]

How are their shipping rates?

Their 25 lb box of mixed remnants (plate & round bar) looks interesting for $55.

[Paulc]

(10-23-2019, 07:35 PM)Highpower Wrote: How are their shipping rates?

Their 25 lb box of mixed remnants (plate & round bar) looks interesting for $55.

Not sure about the box, but all other aluminum stock is free shipping in the US

[TomG]

I used tempered hardboard. It's cheap, readily available, and and easy to shape or pop holes in to clear the bolts.

Tom