I have a question about indexing capabilities

[steve_g]

Can a ball and claw style leg be cut with an indexer? All I’ve seen are symmetrical designs.

Thanks
Steve

[rcnewcomb]

Yes, you can cut non-symetrical items. Take a look at Brady's head carving:
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1424

A typical way to do this is to take a 3D scan of the item and unwrap it to a flat design for use by a CAD/CAM package such as Aspire. In Aspire you would then handle it as a wrapped job.

[steve_g]

Thanks Randall, can I wrap an .stl file I've created in Solid Works?

Steve

[rcnewcomb]

can I wrap an .stl file I've created in Solid Works?

I assume you meant unwrap. Yes, you can unwrap an STL file. You need to ensure the model is centered on the rotary axis.

[steve_g]

Thanks, indexer terminology is new to me, but I’ll learn fast because of the resources I’ve since found on the web, including yours!

Steve