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10th Jan 2020, 09:26 AM #1Senior Member
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Mill stands for a RF45 - Metex, H&F ?
Just picked up a RF45 to replace my older 3ph cast iron machine that i have had to move on. But it doesnt come with a stand, so looking around at various stands to plonk it on.
To some degree a stand is just a stand, but there are a few things i want. Want something that has some storage ability for bits and collets etc. Plus it will be going in a row with the lathe, so needs to have front access. Also needs to have a decent swarf/coolant tray, which some just seem to be an afterthought.
I was originally looking at the M135A stand from H&F https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/M135A but it seems to have just side access storage, and even then it looks like a complete afterthought.
The other two i was looking at seem to be basically the same thing, the M653 from H&F https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/M653 and the METEX stand https://redfoxmachinery.com.au/produ...nd-for-sale-2/
But the dimensions between the two seem to be all squiffy. The M653 gives a 900mm height, which would seem to be far too tall for a mill. The METEX on the other hand is 650mm, which seems reasonable, but perhaps it is designed for a smaller mill.
Im in no position to go and check them out, so wondering if anyone has experience with using either on a RF45 or clone?
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10th Jan 2020, 09:39 AM #2Diamond Member
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I'd just build one to suit out of some RHS, you will end up with a much more solid stand and you can incorporate some storage to suit your tooling. You will also save some $$$, I don't believe those stands are worth what they are asking for them.
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10th Jan 2020, 09:54 AM #3Most Valued Member
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I have the HAFCO version of an RF 45 on its original stand, which is identical to the one you linked. Not a fan of the stand. It’s too low for my liking, I’m not overly tall at 5’11. The coolant tray leaks like a sieve if you don’t apply copious amounts of silicone when you bolt it all together and then some types of coolant will break the silicone down over time. It has no storage other than being able to fit the coolant pump and tank in it, and the door is on the right hand side, which for me is a pain as that’s closest to wall side (being its in a corner).
My plan is to build a frame around a Kinchrome roll cab to lift it about 100mm or so and provide more workable storage. I’ve stopped using flood coolant in favour of compressed air at low pressure across the cutting tool so I won’t be bothering with a liquid tight coolant tray. Hoping to get a start on it in the next couple of weeks while I’m on rec leave (after I take care of the honey do list of course).
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11th Jan 2020, 09:31 AM #4Most Valued Member
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- Aug 2011
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Hi there,
If you have the time and inclination then I would build one. As far as I can tell, all the commercially available stands from the suppliers mentioned are built to a price and lack rigidity and build quality.
If you build your own then you can make it to whatever height you want, add whatever storage you want and make it as rigid as you like.
The stand I built for my 45 size gear head mill I built from 75x75x3mm duragal. I added to front slide out drawers and welded 100mm outriggers for the adjustable feet. It's very stable and solid as a rock. I also made a chip tray from some 3mm steel. I cut wedges out of the corners and then took it to the local steel place to fold up the sides. I then welded the corners where the wedge cuts met. It was a fun project.
It ended up cheaper than the one it came with. It took a bit of planning and building but I would have been disappointed with the stand it came with (which I ended up selling on eBay to some poor soul)
SimonGirl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.
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16th Mar 2020, 02:27 PM #5Senior Member
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- Dec 2009
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- Melbourne
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For some closure, this is what i ended up with. 50x50x3 SHS for the frame. 600mm square hot water system drainage pan for the waste tray. Pity i munted it when the mill slipped slightly putting it on.
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16th Mar 2020, 04:15 PM #6Senior Member
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16th Mar 2020, 04:57 PM #7Senior Member
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Its one of a multitude of RF45 clones (from what i gather), this is the same unit: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Geared-H...l/352977848286
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16th Mar 2020, 06:18 PM #8Most Valued Member
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- Southern Flinders Ranges
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If you can wait a couple of weeks while I finish building a new stand you can have my HAFCO RF45 stand. PM me if you’re interested.
Edit: never mind I didn’t see the closure post
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