The table is 2" high and 4" (100mm) in diameter. The main components have been machined from solid bar stock steel, and the complete unit weighs seven pounds. The table has been engraved with a laser, giving sharp and precise lines every 5°, numbered every 15°. These lines are calibrated with the 72-tooth worm gear that is driven by the handwheel. The handwheel is divided into 50 parts, making each line on the handwheel 1/10°. This allows a circle to be divided into 3600 increments without interpolation. Seventy-two revolutions of the handwheel rotate the table one revolution.

The table T-slots are identical to those used on the Sherline mill and lathe, making the vast line of Sherline tooling available for use with this product. Two hold-down clamps and T-nuts are provided with the table. Also included is an adapter that allows Sherline’s 3- and 4-jaw chucks to be mounted directly to the rotary table. An optional right angle attachment is available (P/N 3701) to mount the table in the vertical position to further increase its versatility. With the table mounted vertically, an optional adjustable right angle tailstock (P/N 3702) can be mounted to the mill table. It is used to support and stabilize the other end of long work held in a chuck or otherwise attached to the rotary table.

A ghost view of the rotary table drawn in SolidEdge® by John Costello shows the internal mechanism so you can see how the worm gear drives the table. Ball bearings are shown in dark blue.

The rotary table has a unique table locking mechanism that is positive and does not move the table as it is locked. (See the white notched cylinder and gray set screw in the ghost view above.) To maintain accuracy and frictionless movements, ball bearings (dark blue in ghost view above) are used. Worm gears are factory greased and the drives sealed to keep out chips and dirt. An oiler is easily accessible to facilitate lubrication of the table. The appearance is instrument quality with a black oxide base, precision ground finishes and laser engraved markings.

As with all Sherline tools, the illustrated instructions are very useful. The 6-page manual covers the basics of rotary table use and takes the user through a typical project.

Any machinist who wants to take his capabilities to the ultimate levels should consider purchasing and learning to use a rotary table. The Sherline rotary table is an extremely precise and well-built piece of equipment that is sized to fit with our product line. It can also be useful on larger equipment when its compact size is called for.