Simple direct indexer for the vertical slide

[olderdan]

Yet another item made many years ago which is still in use which is obviously aimed at the small lathe user, I got the idea from an article in the Model Engineer.
Very simple device that uses the lathe change gears and occasional discs made for odd numbers, it has no bearings but has instead 45 degree tapers at each end adjusted to no play but free to rotate, I have never had to adjust this, this is the first time it has come apart to show construction.
The body is 1 inch square stock and it uses home made draw-bar collets 7/16 max ( ½ inch would have been better but would need a larger body), and assorted mandrels made as needed.
I have made lots of cutters and cut many gears with it and I would have made a nicer one but it may be pensioned off soon when I finish my new geared cutter spindle which will be able to mill along the lathe axis, enabling me to turn and cut a gear etc at one setting.
I also use this as a radius turner mostly for making acorn nuts from S/Steel it will do a radius up to one inch.
Clamped in my tiplap grinder I can also sharpen the face of small end mills with it so its pretty versatile.



The parts



Assembled



Making form relieved gear cutters



Cutting a pair of 60 tooth 32 DP gears



Assorted milling cutters made for various jobs and the radius attachment

[DIYer]

Thanks olderdan! We've added your Vertical Slide Indexer to our Measuring and Marking category,
as well as to your builder page: olderdan's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Vertical Slide Indexer by olderdan

tags: indexing unit

[Ralphxyz]

Sure would like to see it video of it being used.

Ralph

[bobs409]

Looks like a great tool! I might have to make one.

[olderdan]

Hi Ralph
I have often thought of making videos but unless I can post them direct to HMT and not though a third party I will stay with photos and imagination.
Thanks for the interest
Regards
Olderdan

[Ralphxyz]

Do you have a web site? You can post them there and then post a link here.

Or you can use any public web site. The videos do not need to be processed as the video sites do.

For that matter you can post them on YouTube.

I would really like to see it in action, then I might buy the plans if you have them.

Ralph

[olderdan]

Do you have a web site? You can post them there and then post a link here.

Or you can use any public web site. The videos do not need to be processed as the video sites do.

For that matter you can post them on YouTube.

I would really like to see it in action, then I might buy the plans if you have them.

Ralph

Sorry again Ralph
I never make plans just a lot of sketches and calcs based on materials I can lay my hands on, I sometimes draw schematics in Sketchup just to make sure the parts will jive together but that's all.

Regards
Olderdan