Building and Installing a Lift Kit for the Cincinnati Milling Machine

The Cincinnati 2ML Horizontal Milling Machine has been a workhorse here at Topper Machine LLC, but it could be much better. A lot of the time, I chose not to use it due to its height. It's just too short for me, and is painful to run.
Hence, the lift kit idea was born. Watch as I build and install this riser base to bring this great machine up to a good working height.
Now that it is more usable, I may make a lot more videos with it.
If you are interested in trying out Anchorlube, here is a link to their amazon store.
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Topper Machine LLC is an entirely manual machine shop located in Spooner, WI. Our videos will highlight some of our shop work.
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[@TomLow-gf8pb]

You need to put a ( pad ) under the leveling bolts. The vibration will eventually wear into the floor . Very nice fabrication work.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Stay tuned. Can't fit it all in one video.

[@BrucePierson]

I was thinking the same thing. Looks like Josh is ahead of us on this one, so we just have to wait for the next video.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@BrucePierson yes! Yes you do!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I just had to get this part done to get the machine back to work. It has been running everyday since the lift, saving me a ton of time. Just today I made the pads and filmed that. Editing will be next. Looks like 2 weeks out for the next video due to current workload.

[@cybermiester]

maybe if you didn't do it right, the first time, you wouldn't be so busy... Nudge, nudge! @@TopperMachineLLC

[@MyLilMule]

The method you used to lift it was pretty ingenious. Nice job all around, Josh.

[@russrawley6712]

Hi Josh what a fantastic way you lifted that machine up ( as a m/c tool fitter for donkeys years) I never thought of that..never too old to learn 😂 but hey that base was brilliant, really superb, it gave you a good solid base to keep the M/c solid and robust ...then you jacked it up on 4 very small points of contact all for levelling it up but you dont need to ' level it up' as all faces are square to each other and you can true up you jobs with the DTI!! your floor is probably very good and the pads that you made (very well I have to say, ) will work, remember they cant level a machine shop on a ship 😂 but the DTI is king and like someone else has mentioned those 4 points of contact will eventually eat your floor .. have a revisit to it 😊 Old retired machine shop Maintenance engineer Keep up the fabulous work Russ

[@tetedur377]

1st video for me, subscribed. I'm 67 years of age, with the patience of a hyper 5-year old, the mind of a teenage boy, and a potty mouth of a Sailor (I was one). In fact, I was living with my family in Prescott when I joined the Navy. Took my GED up there at the University in River Falls. Dad took me to a Shakey's Pizza place over there in Hastings before going to the place in Minneapolis. I didn't miss the fact that there were at least a couple of Johnson jokes that were hanging there like chads on an election ballot. My late wife used to love those. No. No she didn't.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@loydsa]

I don't think I have ever seen one person lift a machine as well as that Josh, congratulations on the new working height. Regards Sarah

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks. I've had to get creative moving heavy things. Been doing it for most of my life. I have a good friend who does this for a living, and he just watches me in awe. Lol. I've taught him a few things.

[@37yearsofanythingisenough39]

Put a small fixed square or hexagonal bar on the top edge of the fixed jaw of your Johnson bandsaw using two screws. This will allow you to set wide plate at an angle and you will cut through in half the time. Make it a small bar, 3/16 or so, that will catch the edge of the bar stock you want to cut off, but still allow the cutting of small round rod in the traditional manner. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

[@stanfischer6175]

I have the opposite problem, I'm 5' 4" tall and my Index Mill is too tall! I have to keep a stool handy to tighten the drawbar. If I ever win the lotto I'm going to build a first class shop with my mill sunk 12" into the floor.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

One of my customers has a maintenance machine shop. Their machinist is 5'2". They built a raised platform floor around the mill that can be forked away for cleaning. I thought it was ingenious. Would definitely suck for me though.

[@gregmarchegiani6656]

Commercial laser cutters allow to cut the machine in half and make it so much shorter

[@mmkuyt]

platform soles?

[@markdavis2475]

Everything I have in my workshop is at "my height"! I added risers to benches, saws and my drill press. I designed my welding cart so i could change the settings without bending down. Really helps with my dodgy back 😃

[@misfit2910]

Fantastic work! I'm 6'3 and I feel your pain "literally." All of my pre 1980s equipment is just so short. Of all the things I've done raising them up was the best thing I did, second was adding DROs.

[@ronaldsmith4153]

Work fascinates me. I can sit and watch other people work all day, Nice job Josh.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Lol. I don't think you're alone on that statement.

[@StuartsShed]

So many things to like in this video - hard to pick something specific. Love the way the iron worker shears that plate like it’s not even there though. And also everything else. Saturday morning inspiration. To the shed!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

That ironworker has been a great asset. I almost didn't buy it. Sure glad I did.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

Did you put pads under the leveling bolts? Seems like a pretty heavy point load to me.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Stay tuned. Couldn't get everything into one video.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@TopperMachineLLC On behalf of armchair quarterbacks everywhere, I understand. Great video, as always!

[@pastortomolson]

Excellent...I lifted my workbench 5 inches and it made a world of difference.

[@Crusher9mil]

Love how you were able to use the machine to pick itself up. I'm 5'13" and my all manual Milrite is really too short for me. I dread the thought of lifting it by myself.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I've been moving machines a long time. I still get nervous. But slow calculated moves, step back and look at it occasionally, extra blocking. Just take your time and be careful.

[@world_still_spins]

You may want to have someone double check and assist with, lifting. Heavy machines can be heavy. (And baker's inches, interesting.)

[@mathewmolk2089]

Get a cople wedges, a 60" bar and buy or make a toe jack,,, With 3 pieces of 2" pipe you can move BIG machines anywhere you want. - If you are just raising the machine get an 8' 4x4 and chop it up into 1 -Ft pieces and with the toe jack yo got it made. - The first thing ANY machine shop with industrial size machines is the 60" bar and toe jack. - You will use them the rest of your life.

[@BruceBoschek]

Altogether an eye-opening video. So many interesting and novel approaches to solving the problems associated with this build. Thanks for another excellent and entertaining video.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@hacc220able]

Good job - thanks for sharing

[@mikehutchison9589]

Excellent job.

[@gwharton68]

Pretty fancy riser blocks. I am surprised that you didn't mill a couple of timbers on your sawmill to make the riser blocks. Great job.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I built it this way for a very specific purpose that will become evident in a future video.

[@bcbloc02]

My #4 has been sitting on 6x6 wood blocks since I got it. It still works fine despite not being precision leveled.😊

[@summerforever6736]

Nice work!!!

[@kooldoozer]

The up/down trick with the knee was super neat. --Doozer

[@fml5910]

I know that was super slick.

[@peltona]

That base is beautiful.

[@scottthomas5999]

Great job!!!

[@kylezellmann6811]

Great base

[@micmike]

Nice shop nice project. Thanks

[@Rubbernecker]

Wow, beautiful job!!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you! 😊

[@mickc7831]

Something I have just added to my workshop is a small low profile magnetic rotor broach drill, drills large holes very quickly and if you take care of the bits they last for a long time as well

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I have one, and don't really like it. It gets used for field work, but not in the shop.

[@KW-ei3pi]

Very nice, professional job. All to often, we just throw something together since it's just for our use. Not the case when someone takes pride in their work. Any work. Regards.

[@paulsto6516]

Nicely done.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks!

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

I agree with a few others in comments you should put some plates under the machine between the concrete and the screws to spread out the weight hate to see the adjustment bolts dig into the concrete floor great job on the lift platform looks great thanks for sharing

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Stay tuned. Can't fit everything into a video.

[@ml50486965]

Beautiful tagwelds!

[@mftmachining]

Excellent job, Josh. Good design. TOP.

[@dale5898]

I sincerely hope you’re back is feeling better. You are a must watch on my list. Thanks for your hard work.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I should have done this upgrade years ago. Since install, I've used this machine nonstop. It is so much better to run.

[@mfc4591]

That is a really firm foundation, have a great week end.

[@andrewdalgarno5322]

Had to do the same with my WW2 era 20" lathe. Turning the carriage handwheel, I was having to stoop every turn. Put it up on 6" risers so I don't have to bend over every time! Andrew

[@TopperMachineLLC]

The world isn't designed for us tall folk.

[@nobuckle40]

I'm glad that worked out for you. Thanks for showing us how you did it.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I should have done this years ago.

[@eyuptony]

Excellent fabrication design. Using the powered knee and wooden blocks, great idea. I've just lowered my mill using wooden blocks in a similar way. Enjoyed watching your process.......Tony

[@peteengard9966]

You have an awesome work ethic. And a very well equipped shop. Just found your channel and subscribed. Thank you.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you, and welcome to the channel.

[@stevebarnes766]

Absolutely beautiful base. Better than factory! And your genius method for lifting the mill off the ground! Man I was waiting for a crane to show up. I would never have thought of using the powered knee as a huge upside down bottle jack to do all the heavy lifting. AMAZING! Thanks so much for sharing all your "how to" with us!

[@jamesriordan3494]

Love the use of blocks and levers; as a farmer, I really appreciate moving things that are far too heavy by myself 😂

[@procyonia3654]

Hell yeh quality of life improvements are always good, ive done something similar for my horizontal borer and my lathes. I am 6'5" and they really didnt design these old manuals with tall folks in mind.

[@gofastwclass]

Nice solution to your height problem. Thanks to your idea I may build a new riser for my 15" x 40" lathe. I installed it on 1.5" tall blocks but could double that and still be comfortable.

[@MyMiniHomeWorkshop]

I enjoyed your innovative elevation method, all in all, a job well done. 👍

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks, it worked out great.

[@johnlee8231]

Real nice quality of life upgrade for you and I for one appreciate the paint.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks 👍

[@edswider9309]

Josh you are slick especially how you raised the machine nicely done

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks. I moved every one of these machines by myself. I had to get creative on some of them.

[@georgebear4557]

That looked like a piece of genius there Josh. Love all your videos. Reminds me of working with my Dad.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy them and they bring back good memories for you.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

This was fantastic to follow and the lift brackets turned out great. You have got us thinking about the height of our machines

[@TopperMachineLLC]

They are all too short. Even my biggest machines could use some height.

[@mattymcsplatty5440]

Very cool way to lift the machine, using the knee is a great idea I never thought of. That Anchor Lube is working out a treat. Great work Josh.

[@BrucePierson]

Nice work on the lift kit. It turned out great and it will make the machine a lot easier to use. Very clever using the machine to lift itself.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks 👍

[@michelecrown2426]

Well color me awed. Raising that machine up was quite impressive. Project came out beautiful.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Glad you liked it!

[@paulalmquist5683]

Your method of lifting that machine is creative. Well done project. Thanks for another interesting video.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you. I moved every machine here by myself. Some I had to get really creative.

[@jackdotzman2908]

Great idea raising the machine. Realty liked what you made to set it on, don’t think the machine is going any place. You did a very nice job of editing. First time seeing a sheer like what you uses to cut the gussets, that’s a powerful little devel. Thanks for taking the time to show us how you did it. From the “show. Me state” Missouri.

[@MickHealey]

Very nice job Josh. Topper Machine, it's what Saturdays were made for.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

You got that right!

[@mattym8]

That’s a nice job.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Nice design Josh, turned out great. ATB......

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Great video Josh, my Sebastián lathe needs the same treatment, I'm 6'3" needs around 4"lift, your mill is good and solid, excellent job.

[@charlyreyesolivares197]

HELLO SIR IT'S A PLEASURE TO SEE YOU THANKS FOR SHARING

[@Barnagh1]

Very well designed and built, I would add a plate under the feet to prevent the threaded feet eating into the concrete.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Stay tuned. Can't fit it all in one video.

[@ypaulbrown]

great fab job Josh.......cheers from Florida , Paul

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Many thanks!

[@U_ever]

Once again, the hardest working man in Spooner, WI strikes again ! "LIKE" button has been torqued to the manufacturer's recommended specification. "CLICK". God forbid you should be running around with a loose "LIKE" button and winter's on the horizon Nice work sir!

[@kenjohnson6338]

Great project.. looks good..

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks 👍

[@jackdawg4579]

Nice work. I dont have nice big machines like you have, mine are all bench mount - so all my benches are different heights to suit the operation of the machine, it makes a big difference when you are standing there for hours!

[@wmweekendwarrior1166]

Good stuff

[@jimstone2669]

It is a joy to watch you work. I am amazed how much i learn from you i am 79 years old and i learned machinist in the US NAVY and have been at it a while. You are never too old to learn THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR VIDEO'S I keep every one and love too watch them over every once and in awhile. Jim Stone

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I'm glad you can learn from me. I often wonder if I really know what I'm doing. Lol

[@Chairman750]

Josh, that was awesome. What a perfect machining job. The extensions look great and very functional. I was concerned about the adjustable feet not having a flat piece of steal under them, but it worked out great. Excellent video as usual. Thanks. Ken

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Feet are coming! Stay Tuned!

[@redmorphius]

Genius way to lift that thing up

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks.

[@paulpipitone8357]

Nice work as usual

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you, it has helped immensely

[@MrClickbang357]

A great project! ANY project tjhat makes a tool easier/safer/faster os a good project!!!

[@wallbawden5511]

Top job there Topper sorry had to love the feet you made way over engendered as you say but some times one has to use what one has laying around this has given me inspiration to do some thing to lift my mill up some Cheers

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I didn't use what was laying around. I ordered this steel in, just for this project.

[@bostedtap8399]

Elegant riser brackets Josh, look 👍 great. Maybe attracting some 4x4 guys, ref "Lift Kit" 😂. Nicely done on machine lifting, good to see some using their brain. Thanks for sharing, and goodbye back pain.

[@brownh2orat211]

I have the same machine and I'm relatively short, 5' 8" and it's still uncomfortable to run for very long, setups kill me, this will be on my to do list.

[@pauljanssen7594]

Yes Tom your comment level pads level blocks even raise the machine up a little bit.

[@svenschlenkrich]

Well done Mr.Topper. I raised all of my machines by 125 mm (ca. 5 inches) but chose a different method. I made a separate concrete foundation, that is higher than the shop floor. As it was common here in Germany the machines are bolted to the floor which makes them much more stable. So in my case I put them on long leveling bolts, leveled them and poured the concrete underneath the machines.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Concrete would never work for me. As business shifts, I tend to rearrange the shop to accommodate workflow. Having dedicated slabs would make that impossible.

[@svenschlenkrich]

@@TopperMachineLLC For sure, in that case your method is way better. My workshop is already full, so no further re-arrangement is possible. Enough talking, let's go back making chips! Cheers Sven

[@nathanweese3812]

Those legs look great Josh, I was skeptical about the design at first but you proved me wrong. Cheers

[@TopperMachineLLC]

There is method in the madness of the design. Stay tuned.

[@seamusbolton215]

Very enjoyable video, my new favorite channel and I watch all the usual suspects from Mr Pete to Abom, keith Rucker, Keith Fenner, etc Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks for your support.

[@glennmoreland6457]

Great video ☹️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@gusviera3905]

Genius. Like buying a new machine. 👍

[@TopperMachineLLC]

You got that right!

[@markramsell454]

The way you were running around that machine, I could just here the Benny Hill music.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Lol.

[@draganarc0131]

That’s awesome, I have a Fexac with the same problem. Or maybe I have the same problem as you. Lol. I’m 6ft 6in and the overall height of the machine is at chest level. It’s on my list of shop projects to raise it. I never thought about using the power knee to walk it up. Fantastic idea.

[@cybermiester]

Topper Machining presents, Fun with Fulcrums!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

LOL. I hope it helps someone out.

[@ianpendlebury3704]

Josh: 16.00 onwards... Genius power raising move that I would never have thought of. I would still be on the floor, on my knees, and struggling with a crow bar!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

You got to get creative sometimes when moving heavy objects.

[@keithmonarch447]

Hello friend. Keith and my wife really enjoyed your tour and the personal time you spent. We flipped a coin, go via the Michigan route, but we also wanted to see company that has UTV vehicles. Located in the Chicago area. We logged around 1,500 miles.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it. Was very interesting learning about your life experiences.

[@patrickmazzone9066]

Kool nice job Enjoy

[@funone8716]

I have a Van Norman No2 medium similar size but not as short as that. When I got it 30 years ago I went to a saw mill and had them cut me 10x10" oak blocks, enough to go all under the machine base, probably 7 blocks total. Much nicer at the taller height.

[@gagasmancave8859]

Did a similar thing with my mill but i used hefty great timbers

[@chrismorris8695]

I'm 6'4" and built risers for my Monarch 16CY. It was definitely one of my best quality of life improvements in the shop. I built individual stilts for each of the 8 feet using heavy wall 6" pipe and 1/2" player. I thought it was skookum until I saw Josh's version of a riser 😆

[@msquared6324]

Most old iron machines were designed around someone that is between 5'9" and 5'11". I'm 6'3" so I have risers made of 4" heavy wall square tube on my bridgeport and my Leblonde lathe and my back thanks me every day. I bolt the risers down and level the machine to them as I would if bolting them to the floor.

[@Chemically_Induced]

have you tried being shorter?

[@drewcagno]

😂😂😂

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I don't think the wife would like that. Lol.

[@junkmannoparts9696]

Nice lift kit . JM

[@davidrichards5594]

Good project Josh, Isn't it great when you take the time to make a great improvement like that, that should have been that way from the factory. I did the same to a cylinder boring stand. Had to line up the part on my knees before, too old for that ......Dave

[@Farm_fab]

Josh, just a tip, if you want to save a step when cutting threaded rods, if you put a nut on past your cut, when you remove the nut, it acts as a thread chaser.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I have done that, but I like the chamfer. I have also used the belt grinder to chamfer them.

[@arneminderman3770]

Great jop!!!

[@vizibug]

finally... somebody on youtube cleaned the mill scale...

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I know, right! Yes, I could burn through it with my welder, but that still isn't correct.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

I like the way you approached the project and I love your work. ...but please consider wearing hearing protection.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Huh? What'd you say??? Lol I Always have ear plugs in. You just can't see them.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

Great video as always Josh!! The way you lifted it was quite ingenious, I was wondering how you were going to lift that beast without an overhead crane. 👍👍

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Difficult problems take creative solutions.

[@fattyco1]

Agreed on the welding prep work. But try 10% skill level in TIG welding........

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Oh I know. I used to TIG a lot, but got out of it for about 10 years. I bought the Primeweld machine to do a project because it was cheaper to buy the welder than have it done. After about a year of practice, I am finally approaching half the level of quality I used to have.

[@jackjohnson6074]

MR TOPPLER PLEASE BE CAREFUL. I ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS AND SEEING CONTENTS LIKE THIS. REAL PEOPLE DOING REAL WORK. I JUST FEAR FOR YOUR SAFETY SOMETIMES IN CASES LIKE THIS I WILL HAVE TO PRAY TO JESUS TO KEEP YOU SAFE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS GOD BLESS BORTHER.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I take more precautions than most anyone else. Having vast experience takes out a lot of the risk, approaching cautiously eliminates it.

[@jackjohnson6074]

@@TopperMachineLLC THANKS FOR DOING SO, STAY SAFE BORTHER KEEP UP THE GOOD CONTENT. AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO REPLY TO PEOPLE. SOME OF THE KZbin "CELEBRITIES" ARE JUST TOO COOL TO EVEN TALK TO PEOPLE ANY MORE.

[@Ekrano_Plan]

I start working all day's with clean maschine's. exause me, but try it also...

[@robertginther9248]

Never apologize for making something too strong. Brooklyn bridge had bad cables, so he DOUBLED them. Hasn't moved in how long? Liked your approach to lifting & widening stance. Forethought is excellent. Love your vids.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I over design everything. But I don't ever have problems either.

[@zekeabercrombie3583]

Anchorlube approves.