Mini lathe spindle indexer

[Dimitris Polychronis]

Hello all,

I would like to share with you one more of my favorite projects, the spindle indexer; it was on the project’s wanted list for quite some time now, I managed to finish it a few months ago and I’ve be using it in every given chance.

The tool is simple in design; it consists of an L shape base, a cylinder and a spring loaded moving plunger.



In the video you will find more information about the design and how the indexer works.

Cheers
Dimitris

[rossbotics]

Nice work and great video Dimitris, outstanding job

Doug

[Dimitris Polychronis]

Thank you Doug, I really appreciate that you like it!!

Cheers
Dimitris

[old_toolmaker]

Dimitris Polychronis,

Great idea and excellent workmanship!!! The key-way cutting job was also very interesting. Thanks for sharing this!
What brand of lathe are you using in the video?

[Dimitris Polychronis]

Thanks Dick!

The key-way came out very nice, but I'm afraid the force for cutting the 4 mm key-way exceeds the capabilities of my small lathe (possible wear on the apron's rack-pinion gear). I would love to have this tool http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/s...ol-lathe-71890 but without a milling machine, I can only dream it!
The brand of the mini lathe is Optimum (model D180x300) https://www.optimum-machines.com/ German brand that built its machines in China.

All the best
Dimitris

[jjr2001]

Dimitris Polychronis,

Very nice implementation for lathe indexing. I need to make one myself.
I have been known to just use a machinist jack between the chuck jaw
and lathe bed. I like your method much better and it is more versatile as well.

Cheers, JR

[Dimitris Polychronis]

Thanks JR, glad that you like it! Although the 40T drive gear has some wear from usage, the plunger fits really nice and gives repeated accuracy.
I think that it will be a nice addition for your mini lathe; I'm sure with your skills and machines that you will make an improved version of this indexer.

All the best
Dimitris

[DIYer]

Thanks Dimitris Polychronis! We've added your Lathe Spindle Indexer to our Lathe Accessories category,
as well as to your builder page: Dimitris Polychronis's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Lathe Spindle Indexer by Dimitris Polychronis

tags: indexing unit

[wizard69]

Very nice workmanship! The hard part with these indexing solutions is getting the pin in the right location. This makes me wonder about the feasibility of marking common divisions on the pulley replacement collar. I’ve ran into these sorts of issues at work with a 24 count indexer, it is very easy to be off by one making a mess of things. I’d be interested to know how others solve this problem!

As for building a hand slotter for your lathe I’m pretty sure one can be done as an all lathe project. I seem to remember one done that way on the net. It might take some real efforts with respect to order of operations and maybe some rough finished surfaces but I believe it can be done. You already have the machining skills.

[Dimitris Polychronis]

Thank you wizard69, I appreciate your comment!

Yes it’s a bit difficult setting the pin into the right location, it’s very narrow the space between the drive gear and the pulley and it’s easy to make mistakes; so, I double check every time to be absolutely sure about the location. I think that the best I can do, is to use a steel stamp to mark on the pulley 40 and 60 divisions. The keyway on the spindle provides standard location for both the gear and pulley, so based on this I can mark the divisions on the pulley; this way it will be difficult to make mistake because the diameter on each gear is different as well as that each series of numbers will be painted with different color.

Now, the hand slotter would be a great addition for my mini lathe, but I must admit I don’t feel confident enough to make it at the moment. Thanks again!!

Cheers
Dimitris