Slew bearing to mount benchtop mill on?

[Rannsachair]

I have limited bench space to mount my Centec 2A and ideally need to access all sides for changing belts etc.

So I had the idea of mounting it on a slew bearing arrangement like a lazy susan with a locking mechanism.

Any suggestions on what to look for?

Ideally:

low profile - so does not increase height of mill much.
robust - mill weights around 400lbs
reasonable price - I looked at slew rings on RS that cost almost as much as the mill!
rotation - even 45 degrees either way would do.

Thanks

 

[daleyd]

Bearing off a scrap mini digger?

 

[sako243]

Was thinking of whether you could pinch something off a digger or the like but probably overkill.

Just because I know the setup what about modifying a stub axle setup off a Land Rover? Item number 2 on this page.

The stub axle itself could be bolted down to a bench below, the stub axle itself could be turned much shorter (spotted you have a lathe so not an issue). New the parts aren't massively expensive (probably come in under a hundred quid if you went for the cheaper options - since it's not actually going on a vehicle).

I wouldn't bother with the twin bearing setup and lock washers - I'd just put one bearing (about £7) the correct way around so the weight of the mill is resting on the tapered face. Turn off the end of the stub shaft and then either cannibalise a hub or turn a new one for the mill to sit on.

I think I've thrown all my dodgy Defender ones out but @8ob or @stuvy might be able to help out. I might have some scrap P38 ones and hub (although it's a different setup) sat outside. I can have a rummage if you don't mind giving me a couple of days. If you think they're suitable then happy to bung them in the post if you cover the postage?

 

[Shox Dr]

Can you not put wheels on the legs, pull it out to do any works

 

[mtt.tr]

Clutch thrust bearing,

Or just a big thrust bearing

 

[Agroshield]

For the amount and frequency you will move it, a bearing is maybe overkill. Just a spigot and socket joint with a bit of low friction material on it would do.

Have a look at how the head of a Bridgeport or any turret mill is mounted to the column. No bearing, just cast-to cast. And a Bridgeport head weighs more than an entire Centec.

 

[Rannsachair]

Some good ideas guys - i have most landrover parts: I keep a stock of Timken taper roller wheel bearings and seals! though suspect the simplest solution is Argoshield and may be the best.

 

[sako243]

Two sheets of Teflon and a pin through the centre...

 

[Ton-up]

A couple of plastic chopping boards and a bit of grease is what I've seen people use for stuff like this.

 

[gaz1]

vibration is the killer for any machine that you have

its best to have a fixed place or wheeled unit that can be dropped down to make a very stable stiff unit to work on

 

[8ob]

I reckon it would be better on some HD draw runners and limit/tether the thing so it cant come too far forward.

Bob

 

[minimutly]

Motorhome revolving seat mount - easily capable of the weight, but you would need to make a better locking mechanism - not beyond you surely?

 

[Rannsachair]

I ended up buying a cheap 19" swivel bearing for under £20 delivered:

First I made a wider strengthened bench (lucky I was fitting a new kitchen and there was spare).

I screwed the bearing to the bench, dowered the top to an offcut of worktop and put an M20 bolt countersunk through the center and bolted the mill to the offcut:

I now have a swiveling mill:

Swapped my mill and drill round while I was at it:

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Very neat!!

 

[fizzy]

I had no idea a Centec was so small. They look full size until you see other things in the photo for scale.
What a beautiful bit of kit!
Can you post a link to the bearing please!
Cheers.

 

[Rannsachair]

I had no idea a Centec was so small. They look full size until you see other things in the photo for scale.
What a beautiful bit of kit!
Can you post a link to the bearing please!
Cheers.

They are currently out of stock, was an ebay buy https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lazy-Sus...var=513046293330&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649, was the 20" version, £19.79 delivered, going by adverts elsewhere they are rated for 150 to 190 Kg.

 

[Hopefuldave]

I'd have put a pair of plates under it and run an airline in for a "hovercraft", but the compressor's always on...

Dave H. (the other one)

 

[Shox Dr]

I'd have put a pair of plates under it and run an airline in for a "hovercraft", but the compressor's always on...

Dave H. (the other one)

It would only need to run while moving. I did think about building 2 to move the lathe, no need As I bought machine wheels

 

[Hopefuldave]

It would only need to run while moving. I did think about building 2 to move the lathe, no need As I bought machine wheels

I've been hunting for wheels sturdy enough (would like about 1.5 tons each)... but meant my compressor's alway on anyway, does a minute every couple of hours to make up for leaks and I don't have to wait for it to fill when I want it...

Dave H. (the other one)