Adapting indexer

[kubotaman]

Does anyone know if someone has adapted a "regular" lathe head and tailstock to be used as an indexer on a ShopBot and what did they have to buy or make in order to be able to use it? Can the electrics, including motors necessary, be ordered from ShopBot?

[myxpykalix]

I tried to do a search for some early examples I have seen but didn't find what i was looking for.
However what others have done is to take a small lathe and put the lathe head between the stock and the indexer motor (scroll down to Wayne Lockes post and pictures).

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/27/8747.html
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/33571/36551.html?1228765474

So others have adapted a lathe setup but it was in conjunction with an indexer motor. You might want to follow Mike Wrights post:
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/33571/42454.html?1243839876
and he may have come up with something that will accomplish what you are trying to do.

[waynelocke]

Here are photos of my setup. I used a Harbor Freight lathe as the basis. The stepper can be used or the lathe motor can be used.
3025
3026

[waynelocke]

Here is a larger pic.
3027

[waynelocke]

Another try.
3028

[oddcoach]

I used a Jet mini lathe with the bed extension
3029

3030

[oddcoach]

please excuse the mess its the sanding monkey's day off

[myxpykalix]

John don't be apologetic of the mess, own it, celebrate it! I'm tired of seeing these guys shops where you could literally eat off the table. FINALLY someone I can relate to!

What is the two "knob" objects between the head and tailstock, some type of stock support?

Also i'm confused by the way it looks like you have your indexer hooked up to your minilathe, is there some type of gearing that is hidden?

[oddcoach]

HI Jack
the knobs are actually 2 air cylinders that hold blocks against the table. the blocks i cut are too hi to put on the table itself. they do not work in conjunction with the indexer. I machined a shaft to connect the stepper motor to the lathe. it has a coupling to connect to the stepper and the shaft fits inside the hole in the center of the headstock. It still has the lathe motor in place. I just ok the belt off. If i want to use it for sanding or faster turnings I can switch power sources, although I don't do it very often