[Metal lathe] Indexing plate and cranck

[Christophe Mineau]

Hi,
I needed something to index the spindle of my metal lathe, and I decided to build it, adding the crank feature. I wanted something not too much intrusive and that would be quickly mounted / unmounted as needed.

Here is what I came up with :









And here is how I did it :

First the plate, continuing on my idea to source metal in the kitchen utensils, it is made from an induction interface plate. I initially thought it would have been made of plain stainless steel, but I discovered when drilling through it that it is actually principally made of aluminum, coated with stainless steel sheets on both sides. Anyway, this is good enough for me, it is 5mm thick.
The shaft is turned out of aluminum round stock, and will be inserted in the spindle (21 mm on that side).


The shaft is cut at 45° using the table saw. Wood cutting tools work well for aluminum.
I don't remember who gave me this idea for locking the shaft in the spindle, I think it's here, maybe Paul Jones.
It works very well and is really much easier to make than an expending system.


The plate is screwed on the shoulders of the shaft.
On the right you can see the beveled bottom part of the shaft. The inside bore is threaded and a piece of threaded rod will be used to pull it and lock it.




For drilling accurately the indexing holes, I drew a two pieces template with my
CAD software.


It was initially planned only to be a template but I left it glued on the plate actually and varnished it to protect it from dirt.


The crank knob, wood turned out of beech. I inserted a brass sleeve in it to ease the rotation of the knob around the screw.


Finished Verso. The brass pin will be inserted in a small block of steel screwed on the lathe body.
The tip is threaded M4 and the shaft has a 5mm diameter.


Finished Recto :

[C-Bag]

great project, great documentation!

I feel another "tool of the week" coming on........

[sking0369]

Nice work there but I'm not understanding what the shaft cut at 45 is for?

[rctoywizard]

very nice job. I like it . thanks

[DIYer]

Thanks Christophe Mineau! We've added your Indexing Plate and Crank to our Lathe Accessories category,
as well as to your builder page: Christophe Mineau's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Indexing Plate and Crank by Christophe Mineau

tags: indexing unit

[scrdmgl]

The cut at 45 Deg., allows the short piece to slide when the bolt at the end is tightened and locks to the spindle ID holding the whole assembly in place. Simple and effective.

[PJs]

Nice Job Christophe! Very cool to re-use the induction plate. Really like your protected template with the Octagon and Hexagon for an easy visual from the work side!! Great pictures and docs as well! Thanks for sharing a great build. ~PJ

[rossbotics]

Hi christophe
Good work buddy, I'm assuming you have a milling attachment on your lathe ? Are you making camshafts ? Crank Shafts ? Mr. Curiosity here LOL.
Anyway great write up & Doc., I'm curious as to what was your main concern for making an indexing plate for your lathe,
Nice Job

Doug

[Christophe Mineau]

Hi christophe
Good work buddy, I'm assuming you have a milling attachment on your lathe ? Are you making camshafts ? Crank Shafts ? Mr. Curiosity here LOL.
Anyway great write up & Doc., I'm curious as to what was your main concern for making an indexing plate for your lathe,
Nice Job

Doug

Hi Doug, thanks for the kind words !
Actually, more than the indexing feature, I needed the locking feature, especially for side drilling.
(See the other topic)
Example :
Attachment 9890

But Yes, I often do some small milling or grinding with my Dremel attachment, and I have recently purchased a small rooter that I wish to install on the lathe, probably in my milling square to get a Z axis.
I want to use it also for sharpening or grinding some conical reamer for woodwind instrument making.

Cheers !

[Christophe Mineau]

The cut at 45 Deg., allows the short piece to slide when the bolt at the end is tightened and locks to the spindle ID holding the whole assembly in place. Simple and effective.

Yes, that's exactly it, quick and easy solution !
Thanks