Indexing plate for Unimat SL lathe handles 40, 50, and 60 divisions

[Paul Jones]

Indexing plate for Unimat SL lathe can index 40, 50, and 60 divisions. Design is custom made for this lathe and another set also attaches to the milling head (see my other post "Modifications and Improvements to a Unimat SL 1000 Lathe" at Homemade Lathe Modifications) . The retractable detent can be locked in the up or down position.

The indexing plate was purchased from Nick Carter and is the Carter Index Plate Kit used for the Taig Microlathe II and I adapted it to the Unimat. I made two adapters from 12L14 steel for attaching the index plate. These are for the lathe headstock and the vertical milling head.

The version for the milling head was improved by eliminating a spindle locking set screw and using the existing pulley lock nut to secure the adapter to the spindle. In addition the headstock and milling head pulley hubs were machined to size before fitting the adapters to ensure concentric alignment with each spindle. The indexing plate is approximately 4.1" in diameter and 0.125" thick. The index detent pin extension arms each have a locking 8-32 set screw with a brass insert which prevents damage to the 1/4-20 detent treads (Winco part 3TLR1 1/4-20 steel lock-out plunger).

More photos and information about the Unimat modifications can be seen at http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/m...00-lathe-10111 .

[Jon]

Thanks Paul Jones! I've added your Indexing Plate to our Lathes category, as well as to your builder page: Paul Jones's Homemade Tools.

It's also been posted to our Facebook page: Paul Jones's Indexing Plate on Facebook, and our Twitter: Paul Jones's Indexing Plate on Twitter.

Your receipt:

Indexing Plate for Unimat SL Lathe by Paul Jones

tags: indexing unit, plate

[Altair]

Adapting a Taig tooling to a Unimat. Great job Paul.

[Paul Jones]

Thanks Altair

I have a few more photos of the Taig index plate adapted to the Unimat SL 1000 lathe and my milling head modifications in some of the photos at this link http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/m...00-lathe-10111. The previous photos were for the lathe and these are for the milling head with the same type of adaptations. I also included a photo of the setscrew used to hold the lockabe detent device to the adjustable indexing arms. The 8-32 set screw has a brass insert which prevents damage to the 1/4-20 detent treads (Winco part 3TLR1 1/4-20 steel lock-out plunger).

Regards,

Paul Jones

[Altair]

Excellent job Paul. Very versatile. Thanks for the update.

Al

[Colin John]

Very nice work and now I have a design to add an indexing head to my Unimat DB. Thanks.

[Paul Jones]

Colin,
Yes, this design has proven to be very useful. Also the lathe 1" square by 6" long riser blocks with 6-32 threaded holes provide a place to attach the swing arm holding the retractable detent. Make sure you add a slight taper to the detent pin so it self-centers into the index plate holes.
Thank you, Paul Jones