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Thread: Indexer Question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Coopersburg, PA
    Posts
    9

    Default Indexer Question

    The max diameter for the Desktop indexer is spec'd at 3.6". Is there any reason why the indexer could not be lifted by 1/4" so that a 4" diameter piece could be machined?

    Randy

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Memphis TN
    Posts
    1,014

    Default

    I believe it's spec'd as a measurement between the center and the table. If you want more diameter, you'll have to jack up the indexer and tailstock as you've indicated.

    One thing that makes tiny clearances dicey is that you have to perfectly situate a round blank in the indexer. If you already have a lathe, that should be easy.
    Last edited by coryatjohn; 09-28-2020 at 05:20 PM.
    ShopBot Details:
    2013 PRS 96x60x12 (Centroid upgrade)
    4hp Spindle
    12" indexer
    Aspire
    Rhino
    Fusion 360
    Ferrari 360
    Prusa MK3S+
    Prusa XL multi-tool

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Coopersburg, PA
    Posts
    9

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by coryatjohn View Post
    I believe it's spec'd as a measurement between the center and the table.
    I believe they spec diameter, not radius. From the Shopbot website:

    SI.jpg

    Randy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Memphis TN
    Posts
    1,014

    Default

    Yes, the measurement from the center to the table TIMES TWO. I apologize for my mistake.
    ShopBot Details:
    2013 PRS 96x60x12 (Centroid upgrade)
    4hp Spindle
    12" indexer
    Aspire
    Rhino
    Fusion 360
    Ferrari 360
    Prusa MK3S+
    Prusa XL multi-tool

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Posts
    32

    Default 10" diameter cut with the 6" indexer

    Quote Originally Posted by rcbrust View Post
    The max diameter for the Desktop indexer is spec'd at 3.6". Is there any reason why the indexer could not be lifted by 1/4" so that a 4" diameter piece could be machined?

    Randy
    I tend to figure outside the box.
    The indexer has a center line of 3" from the base.
    I moved the indexer mounting rail to the table the Max sits on, and hang the workpiece over the edge of that "T" slot plate. 10" diameter is done easily, and by moving the base to allow more overhang can gain another 2" diameter.
    The limiting factor is now the Z travel limitation.
    To expedite the change over, I remove the aluminum table and spoil board as one piece. The track is screwed to the table. To zero the Y I do a machine zero, then I have documented the distance to the centerline of the indexer, move to that location and re-zero.
    To zero the Z, I have a spot on the top of the head that I zero, then move to a safe location, lower the Z to my documented location and re-zero.
    To keep everything in line, I made pieces that are fixed to the bottom of the head and tail stock so I just drop them in place and they are centered.
    Change over to flat cutting to the rotary is maybe 15 minutes total.
    20220606_110850.jpg
    20220606_112532.jpg

    This carve is less than 10".
    20220604_111335.jpg
    This one was a little over 10" diameter. I did turn the ID of this bowl on a lathe as it is 4" deep.
    horse bowl 1 sm.jpg

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