Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in
The Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in promises precision and versatility for machinists and hobbyists alike. Manufactured by Grizzly Industrial, this rotary table aims to provide a robust and accurate platform for circular machining operations. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller mills and workspaces, potentially opening up a world of possibilities for intricate projects.
I needed a rotary table to create precisely spaced holes on circular components. I was also hoping to mill accurate arcs and radiuses with ease. The Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in looked like it could offer the precision I needed without breaking the bank.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in‘s solid feel. The weight suggests a substantial build, and the silver finish appears clean and professional. The castings seemed well-machined, but I immediately noticed the handwheel felt gritty and rough.
I considered a Vertex rotary table and a similar offering from Shars. I eventually landed on this one for its price point.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was eager to put it to work, but the rough handwheel action raised concerns about overall quality. I hope the Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in performs well and that the handwheel is just a minor annoyance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in in my home shop on a small benchtop milling machine. I used it to create a dividing head for cutting gears, which required very precise angular movements.
The rotary table performed adequately in dry conditions, though the handwheel’s grittiness made fine adjustments challenging. The table moved, but lacked a smooth and predictable feel. I was able to make the necessary cuts, but definitely had to fight with it.
The initial setup was straightforward, but the handwheel issue was immediately apparent. Clamping my workpiece felt secure, and the table showed no obvious signs of wobble or play. The handwheel really affected the experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of use, the Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in has held up reasonably well, although the handwheel’s action hasn’t improved. I have used it about 10 hours at this point.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the table’s surface or locking mechanisms. However, the handwheel is still a major drawback. It makes it nearly impossible to achieve precise angles consistently without a digital readout. The lack of a smooth rotation is detrimental.
Cleaning and maintenance are relatively easy. I simply wipe down the table after each use and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. The poor handwheel action really detracts from an otherwise potentially useful tool. My previous cheap rotary table had a smoother feel, which is very disappointing.
Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Grizzly Industrial
- Color: Silver
- Diameter: 5 inches
These specifications outline the basic physical attributes of the Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in. The 5-inch diameter dictates the maximum size of workpieces that can be easily accommodated, while the silver color is purely aesthetic.
Performance & Functionality
The Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in is designed to provide accurate circular positioning for machining operations. Ideally, it offers a stable and precise platform for tasks such as drilling, milling, and grinding circular features.
The table’s strength lies in its solid construction and potential for accurate positioning with careful use. However, the handwheel’s rough action significantly hinders its usability and ability to achieve the desired precision. It doesn’t meet expectations, especially for the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in features a traditional rotary table design with a cast iron body and a machined steel table surface. The materials seem robust, but the handwheel design could be improved.
The table’s weight provides stability, but the gritty handwheel and hard to read dial detract from the user experience. The heavy weight also makes it a pain to maneuver on a small bench top mill.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in should last for many years, provided the internal mechanisms hold up. The cast iron construction and machined surfaces offer good corrosion resistance with proper maintenance.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The internal mechanism’s durability is questionable given the handwheel feel.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in does not come with any specific accessories. It can be adapted to various machines using standard mounting hardware.
The table’s versatility can be enhanced with accessories like clamping kits, dividing plates, and digital readouts. These additions can improve functionality and precision, though they add to the overall cost. The table’s lack of included accessories feels like a shortcoming given the price.
Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in
Pros
- Solid construction provides good stability.
- Compact size is suitable for smaller milling machines.
- Potential for accurate positioning with careful use and a DRO system.
- Relatively affordable compared to higher-end rotary tables.
- Simple design makes it easy to maintain.
Cons
- Rough handwheel action makes fine adjustments difficult and frustrating.
- Lack of included accessories (clamping kit, dividing plates) increases the overall cost.
- The handwheel feel brings into question the overall longevity.
Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in?
The Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in is perfect for hobbyists and small shop machinists on a budget. Those who are willing to invest in a digital readout (DRO) system to overcome the limitations of the handwheel may find it a useful addition to their tooling.
Someone seeking a truly smooth and precise rotary table should skip this product. They should instead opt for a higher-end option from a reputable brand like Yuasa or Phase II.
A DRO is a must-have accessory to compensate for the handwheel’s shortcomings. A clamping kit is also highly recommended to secure workpieces effectively. You are almost forced to buy more tooling to make it work right.
Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in
The Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in offers a mix of promise and disappointment. Its solid construction and compact size make it a potentially useful tool for small-scale machining projects.
The price is justified if you’re willing to work around the handwheel’s shortcomings with a DRO and extra tooling. I personally would not recommend it due to the poor handwheel feel and overall lack of quality.
Ultimately, the Grizzly Industrial Rotary Table 5in is a budget-friendly option that requires compromises. Consider other higher-quality options if precision and smoothness are your top priorities.