Rotary Tables for Milling, Indexing, and Work Positioning
Add controlled angular positioning to milling and machining setups with a rotary table suited to the workpiece and operation. Penn Tool Co. carries precision tables in multiple sizes and configurations, giving machine shops options for straightforward rotary positioning, indexing, dividing, and angled setups.
Our current selection includes horizontal/vertical, tilting, cross-slide, rotary, and dividing tables from Phase II, Precise, YUASA, Palmgren, STM, and other industrial tooling manufacturers.
Browse our rotary tables to compare sizes, configurations, and positioning options for your machining setup.
How Does a Rotary Table Work?
A rotary table holds a workpiece and allows it to be rotated around a fixed axis to a controlled angular position. Mounted on a milling machine or other compatible setup, it adds rotary movement to the linear positioning already provided by the machine.
This makes a rotary table useful for operations such as machining arcs and circular features, positioning a part at a specified angle, or producing features at defined intervals around a workpiece.
The exact positioning capabilities depend on the table. Some models operate horizontally and vertically, while others add tilt, dividing capability, or linear cross-slide movement.
For a closer look at common configurations, see our guide to rotary tables and Vertex tilting options.
Rotary Table Configurations Available at Penn Tool Co.
A rotary table should be matched to the movement and orientation the job requires. Penn Tool's catalog includes several configurations for different machining and positioning setups.
| Rotary Table Type | How It Fits Into a Setup | Examples Available at Penn Tool Co. |
| Horizontal/vertical rotary table | Can be set up in either supported orientation for greater positioning flexibility. | Vertex, Precise, Phase II, and STM H/V models |
| Tilting rotary table | Adds adjustable tilt to rotary positioning for angled setups. | Phase II, Vertex, Precise, and YUASA tilting models |
| Rotary and dividing table | Supports rotary positioning and dividing operations. | STM horizontal/vertical rotary and dividing tables |
| Cross-slide rotary table | Combines rotary movement with linear table adjustment. | Palmgren cross-slide rotary tables |
| Rotary table kits | Package the table with selected workholding or dividing components. | Precise kits with tailstocks, dividing plates, chucks, and clamping components |
Horizontal and Vertical Rotary Tables
A horizontal/vertical rotary table gives machinists two setup orientations within one table design. This makes the equipment more useful across parts that need to be presented to the cutter differently.
Penn Tool carries multiple sizes, including the Vertex 6" Horizontal/Vertical Low Profile Rotary Table HV-6 and Precise Horizontal/Vertical Precision Rotary Tables.
Low-profile options are also available when overall table height is an important part of the machine setup.
Tilting Rotary Tables
A tilting rotary table combines rotary positioning with adjustable table inclination. It is useful for machining setups where the workpiece needs to be held at an angle instead of remaining in a fixed horizontal or vertical plane.
Our current selection includes the Phase II 10 Inch Precision Tilting Rotary Table 222-410 and Vertex Universal Tilting Rotary Table 8" UVT-200, along with additional tilting models from Precise and YUASA.
Cross-Slide Rotary Tables
Cross-slide designs add linear positioning to the table's rotary movement. This gives the operator another way to adjust the workpiece position within the setup.
We carry configurations such as the Palmgren Cross Slide Rotary Table and Palmgren rotary tilting cross-slide tables.
What Is a Rotary Indexing Table?
A rotary indexing table positions a workpiece at defined angular intervals so operations can be repeated around the part. This is useful for work such as machining equally spaced features or drilling a circular hole pattern.
The terms rotary table and indexing table can overlap because some rotary tables provide or support indexing capability. We also carry rotary and dividing tables, including the STM 12" Horizontal/Vertical Rotary and Dividing Table.
For setups requiring additional dividing equipment, our catalog includes kits such as the Precise 4" H/V Rotary Table, Tailstock, Dividing Plates & Chuck Set.
Rotary Table vs. Indexing Table
The main difference is the positioning requirement. A rotary table provides controlled angular movement, while an indexing setup is specifically used to establish defined angular positions or divisions.
A machinist who needs general angular positioning may not require the same equipment as a shop producing repeated features at exact intervals. Check the individual table's dividing or indexing capability before assuming that every rotary table supports the same operations.
Using a Rotary Table on a Milling Machine
A rotary table for a milling machine expands the ways a workpiece can be positioned relative to the cutter. Instead of relying entirely on linear table movement, the operator can rotate the workpiece around the rotary table's axis.
Depending on the equipment and setup, this can support:
- Milling arcs and circular features
- Drilling holes at controlled angular intervals
- Machining features at specified angles
- Dividing a workpiece into equal sections
- Repositioning a part around a fixed rotational axis
The table, workholding, and workpiece still need to fit within the available machine envelope. For jobs involving indexing or dividing, confirm that the selected table and accessories support the required divisions.
How Is a Workpiece Held on a Rotary Table?
The workpiece needs to be secured to the rotary table before it can be positioned for machining. The appropriate setup depends on the part and the table, with common options including direct clamping to the table's T-slots or mounting the workpiece in a compatible chuck.
A tailstock can also be used with certain rotary table setups to support longer workpieces when the part is positioned between centers or requires additional support.
Penn Tool carries rotary table kits that combine several of these components. For example, the Precise 6" Rotary Table Tailstock, Dividing Plates, Lathe Chuck & Clamping Kit packages a rotary table with a tailstock, dividing plates, lathe chuck, and clamping equipment.
Before adding a chuck, tailstock, or other workholding equipment, confirm that it is compatible with the specific table and intended setup.
Comparing Rotary Tables by Setup
Penn Tool carries compact tables as well as substantially larger machining tables, so table diameter alone does not tell you which model fits the job.
| Penn Tool Model | Configuration | Key Listing Details |
| Vertex HV-6 | Low-profile horizontal/vertical | 6" table |
| Precise 3903-2312 | Low-profile horizontal/vertical | 12" table |
| YUASA 550-050 | Vertical rotary machining table | 10" table, 3MT center taper, 90:1 gear ratio |
| Phase II 222-410 | Horizontal tilting rotary machining table | 249.94 mm table diameter, 3MT center taper, 90:1 gear ratio |
| STM HV-12 | Horizontal/vertical rotary and dividing | 12" table, MT4 center sleeve |
| Precise 3906-2316 | Rotary table and accessory kit | 6" table with tailstock, dividing plates, lathe chuck, and clamping kit |
Check individual specifications before ordering, especially when table orientation, center height, gear ratio, or included accessories matter for the setup.
What to Look for in a Rotary Table
Choosing the right table starts with the machining setup rather than table diameter alone.
Table Diameter and Available Space
The table needs enough usable area for the workpiece and workholding while still fitting the milling machine or other equipment. Penn Tool Co. carries models in multiple diameters, including 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", and 14" listings.
Overall height and center height can also matter, especially when machine clearance is limited.
Required Table Orientation
Determine how the workpiece needs to be presented to the cutter. Horizontal/vertical models support both stated orientations, while tilting tables provide additional angular adjustment.
If the application only calls for a particular orientation, a dedicated table may also meet the requirement.
Indexing and Dividing Capability
For evenly spaced features, check how the table handles indexing and which dividing equipment is included or available.
We carry individual dividing tables as well as kits containing dividing plates and other components. The required divisions and compatibility should be confirmed for the specific table.
T-Slots, Center Taper, and Workholding
T-slot dimensions, center taper, bore, and compatible workholding vary among rotary tables. These details affect how the part, fixture, chuck, or other workholding equipment can be mounted.
We also offer rotary table kits and related components for selected table sizes and configurations.
Gear Ratio
Gear ratio affects the relationship between handwheel input and table rotation on geared manual rotary tables. It is a model-specific specification rather than a universal rotary table value.
For example, the YUASA 10" Vertical Rotary Machining Table 550-050 has a gear ratio of 90:1, as do several other YUASA and Phase II models.
Rotary Table Accessories and Workholding Options
A rotary table setup may require more than the table itself. Depending on the job and model, additional equipment can include a tailstock, dividing plates, a chuck, mounting flange, or clamping components.
Penn Tool Co. carries individual products and complete sets, including a Precise rotary table tailstock, dividing plate, lathe chuck, and clamping kits.
What Does a Rotary Table Add to a Machining Setup?
The main advantage of a rotary table is controlled angular workpiece positioning. Instead of repeatedly removing and resetting a part to change its angle, the table provides a defined rotational axis within the machining setup.
For the right application, this can provide:
- More controlled angular positioning
- Repeatable spacing during indexing operations
- Fewer manual workpiece repositioning steps
- Access to circular and radial machining operations
- Additional setup flexibility on a milling machine
The practical benefit depends on the operation and the table configuration. A tilting model, for example, solves a different positioning requirement than a basic horizontal/vertical table or a table equipped for dividing.
Rotary Table Equipment Backed by Decades of Industry Experience
Penn Tool Co. has supplied machinists, manufacturers, and industrial customers since 1968. Our rotary table selection includes equipment from Vertex, Phase II, Precise, YUASA, Palmgren, STM, and other established machine tool manufacturers, with multiple sizes and configurations available for different shop requirements.
Our selection also covers different table diameters, orientations, and positioning configurations, along with related dividing and workholding equipment. Shops can also browse Penn Tool Co.’s broader machining tables and clamping, workholding, and positioning equipment when sourcing equipment for a larger setup.
Browse the rotary tables we have to offer, or contact Penn Tool Co. if you need help narrowing down the right equipment for your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rotary Tables
What is a rotary table?
A rotary table is a work-positioning device that holds and rotates a workpiece around an axis to a controlled angular position. It is commonly used with milling and machining equipment for circular features, angular positioning, indexing, and related operations.
What is a rotary table used for?
A rotary table can add controlled rotational positioning to a machining setup. Depending on the equipment and application, common uses include:
- Milling arcs and circular features
- Drilling features at angular intervals
- Positioning a part for machining at specified angles
- Dividing a workpiece into equal sections
What is a rotary indexing table used for?
A rotary indexing table is used to position a workpiece at defined angular intervals. This allows repeated machining operations to be placed at controlled positions around a part, such as equally spaced holes in a circular pattern.
What is the difference between a rotary table and an indexing table?
A rotary table provides angular movement and positioning of a workpiece, while an indexing table places greater emphasis on positioning at defined angular intervals. Some rotary tables also support indexing or dividing, so the terms can overlap depending on the equipment.
Can you use a rotary table on a milling machine?
Yes, rotary tables are commonly used on milling machines when a setup requires controlled workpiece rotation. The table's dimensions, mounting arrangement, workholding, and available machine clearance need to suit the mill and workpiece.
What is a tilting rotary table used for?
A tilting rotary table allows the workpiece to be rotated and held at an adjustable inclination. This gives the machinist another positioning option for operations that cannot be completed with the table fixed in a horizontal or vertical plane.
How do I choose the right size rotary table?
The table needs enough mounting area for the workpiece and workholding without exceeding the available machine space. Before choosing a size, check:
- Table diameter
- Overall and center height
- Workpiece and fixture dimensions
- Machine clearance
- Mounting and workholding requirements
Does Penn Tool Co. carry rotary table accessories?
Yes. Penn Tool carries rotary table products and kits with components such as:
- Tailstocks
- Dividing plates
- Lathe chucks
- Clamping equipment
- Mounting flanges
Match these components to the specific rotary table size and model before ordering.
