indexing help please!
- Thread starter RAdams
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Chuck Key
Member
There are a couple examples at this link:
http://alisam.com/page/14g9e/Woodworking_turning_OT.html
Chuckie
http://alisam.com/page/14g9e/Woodworking_turning_OT.html
Chuckie
Last edited:
Wildman
Member
jttheclockman
Member
http://alisam.com/page/14g9e/Woodwor...urning_OT.html
I have the one for the jet midi and will have to say it is well made piece of exact equipment. To me it was well worth the $50 and I think it was actually cheaper than that when I bought mine. Just my 2¢
I have the one for the jet midi and will have to say it is well made piece of exact equipment. To me it was well worth the $50 and I think it was actually cheaper than that when I bought mine. Just my 2¢
Paul in OKC
Member
What is the spindle thread on that lathe? How much indexing do you want? If it is a
1"-8, you can take a nut and scew it on, then use a right angled something to index off the flats. BTW, if it is a 1"-8, let me know. I built a thingy that might work, you would need to finish it, but only with a bolt and a rubber band =8^).
1"-8, you can take a nut and scew it on, then use a right angled something to index off the flats. BTW, if it is a 1"-8, let me know. I built a thingy that might work, you would need to finish it, but only with a bolt and a rubber band =8^).
dogcatcher
Member
I used a cheap plastic cutting board to make mine. I only wanted 4, 8, 12, and 16, so I drew off a square and used a compass to get my angles and intercept points. Then drilled the center to fit my headstock and turned it round. Used an awl to mark the 16 points and then drilled them.
If I do it again I will make more reference points and set it up divisible by 3 on one row and 4 on another row. For my use I don't need the gadzillion reference points, for the items I make dividing by 3 and 4 is enough or it will become cluttered looking.
If I do it again I will make more reference points and set it up divisible by 3 on one row and 4 on another row. For my use I don't need the gadzillion reference points, for the items I make dividing by 3 and 4 is enough or it will become cluttered looking.
Chuck Key
Member
I was not suggesting that you buy the indexing system at the link provided but suggested that you might get some ideas for attaching one to your lathe from the photos. For me, an indexing system would be childs play compared to making a cradle to hold a Dremel. My first index wheel consisted of a series of holes drilled in a faceplate. If nothing else print a pie chart off the net with an appropriate number of pieces to use as a templat to make the holes. You might also get some mileage out of an old saw blade if it has the number of teeth you need. A detent was made from an old blown out DC control board heat sink which was placed across the ways and anchored to the lathe bed using a bolt and a washer under the ways. One end of a hack saw blade was attached to the heatsink and a SHCS with a point filed on it was attached to the other end to provide a stop for the wheel. When the index position needed to be changed it was a matter of bending the hacksaw blade back, moving the index wheel and letting the blade spring back into the new hole position. I has since made a spring loade detent that can be locked in the out position when not indexing. Still use the faceplate index wheel when I need seven position indexing.
Paul, It is indeed 1 X 8.. Same as a Jet mini. I would definately appreciate any help with this i could get!
I looked at a couple of different pics last night but couldnt get many ideas. The dremel cradle was super simple and i cant figure out how to do an indexing wheel as easy. All of the pics i loked at the people did some pretty cool stuff but it included stuff like drilling and tapping holes in the top of the headstock or taking the headstock spindle apart.
Chuck, I am sorry, I misunderstood your first post... and your second post was a bit too technical for my small brain. Thanks for all the help... You dont have pics of the set up you spoke of by any chance?
I looked at a couple of different pics last night but couldnt get many ideas. The dremel cradle was super simple and i cant figure out how to do an indexing wheel as easy. All of the pics i loked at the people did some pretty cool stuff but it included stuff like drilling and tapping holes in the top of the headstock or taking the headstock spindle apart.
Chuck, I am sorry, I misunderstood your first post... and your second post was a bit too technical for my small brain. Thanks for all the help... You dont have pics of the set up you spoke of by any chance?
Here is a pic of the cradle and some other tools I have made in the last couple of days.
From left to right:
Cradle, Inertia sander minus mousepad backer and paper, little saw for attempting recessed clips, and a knockout rod handle for the new 1236.
The far left is the cradle. Just a piece of oak (i think) turned to fit the banjo, attached to a piece of baltic birch plywood, with a couple of hose clamps on top. Just pop it in the banjo and clamp the dremel to the top!
From left to right:
Cradle, Inertia sander minus mousepad backer and paper, little saw for attempting recessed clips, and a knockout rod handle for the new 1236.
The far left is the cradle. Just a piece of oak (i think) turned to fit the banjo, attached to a piece of baltic birch plywood, with a couple of hose clamps on top. Just pop it in the banjo and clamp the dremel to the top!
Chuck Key
Member
A quick search of IAP will turn up many examples. Please don't think I am trying to get you to go buy a metal lathe. I am just trying to give you a few ideas that you may be able to go with. If you do the search you will see similar setups on wood lathes.
http://forum.penturners.org/forum/showpost.php?p=505121&postcount=13
http://forum.penturners.org/forum/showpost.php?p=563449&postcount=9
KenV
Member
Built a couple and adapted a couple and bought a couple -- The built ones work OK for a few hole counts.
Built ones - As the number of divisions got above about 12/14, the lack of control for precision led to the adaptation approach. Baltic Birch ply is good as is MDF for thes because of stability. Construction ply was available, but a bad idea. Mounting was epoxy to a nut that turned on the headstock.
Adapted -- Used an old shopsmith saw blade and epoxy to mount between two nuts. Ground the steel blade tips to dull. Not too bad and used it until the epoxy joint broke and went for the commercial version.
Have a couple and the one noted above from the Alisam is the better.
Several lathes now have a 24 point index built in -- but that is for a future consideration.
Bottom line --- Precision and repeatability requirements for what you are doing. Fewer number of divisions, the easier it works for the home built version.
Built ones - As the number of divisions got above about 12/14, the lack of control for precision led to the adaptation approach. Baltic Birch ply is good as is MDF for thes because of stability. Construction ply was available, but a bad idea. Mounting was epoxy to a nut that turned on the headstock.
Adapted -- Used an old shopsmith saw blade and epoxy to mount between two nuts. Ground the steel blade tips to dull. Not too bad and used it until the epoxy joint broke and went for the commercial version.
Have a couple and the one noted above from the Alisam is the better.
Several lathes now have a 24 point index built in -- but that is for a future consideration.
Bottom line --- Precision and repeatability requirements for what you are doing. Fewer number of divisions, the easier it works for the home built version.
Paul in OKC
Member
Thanks for all the help everyone!! Lots of awesome ideas! I am sure i can get something figured out from all the tips and pics and links! Once again, IAP IS the spot for knowledge!!!
P.S. Paul, You my friend, are a GENIUS! I really like both of your ideas! I think the sprocket idea could be a really really good thing for my needs! And the bolt and MDF will be a good system to hold me over till i can find a sprocket and such. thanks for the pics! Wish the second was bigger so i could see the pin part, but i am sure i can figure something out! thank you for taking the time to share!
P.S. Paul, You my friend, are a GENIUS! I really like both of your ideas! I think the sprocket idea could be a really really good thing for my needs! And the bolt and MDF will be a good system to hold me over till i can find a sprocket and such. thanks for the pics! Wish the second was bigger so i could see the pin part, but i am sure i can figure something out! thank you for taking the time to share!
Paul in OKC
Member
Send me an email.
Paul in OKC
Member
Ron, you've got mail!