need help locating an indexer design

[mblackwell1002]

While I was lurking around the forums for the last 6 months, I found an indexer design that I would like to try. I have spent about 4 hours searching and have not been able to find the same design again.

The design did not use an indexing head, tailstock, or any additional stepper motors.

It used gears mounted to each end of the work piece. These gears meshed into toothed rails on the table. the workpiece was pulled along the x-axis by the gantry which caused the workpiece to turn.

I know this is a long shot, but I was hoping one of you had seen the same post.

Thanks for the help!

[bryan]

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16053&highlight=indexer

Is this the one you were talking about?

[mblackwell1002]

No, but the idea is similar.

The one I am looking for was on a machine with a moving gantry. I am starting to wonder if I found it on the shopbot forums or somewhere else.

[bob_s]

Yes I saw it
I may get a chance to look for it later, but I know it was either here or on Vectric 's website

[gc3]

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13674&highlight=standalone+indexer

maybe this on...search stand alone indexer

[Joe Porter]

http://www.cncsharktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1521&hilit=4th+axis#p7997 I think this is what you want. It is on the CNC Shark Forum; Bob's simple 4th axis..joe

[mblackwell1002]

http://www.cncsharktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1521&hilit=4th+axis#p7997 I think this is what you want. It is on the CNC Shark Forum; Bob's simple 4th axis..joe

That is the one!! Thanks!

Any opinions on the feasibility of adapting this to a shopbot Desktop?

Any and all advice is welcome.

[Brady Watson]

These (http://www.adjustableclamp.com/universalwoodturninglathe.aspx) were $29 three years ago when I bought a few of them. If you're crafty, they make a neat little indexer. Grizzwald's (http://www.grizzly.com/products/Hobby-Lathe-Disc-Sander/H2669) has something similar for $54. ANY way you slice it, there will be some engineering and work on your end to do & figure out. A stripped down Sherline Lathe (http://www.sherline.com/4000pg.htm) is another option, depending on your needs. Then again, ShopBot sells an indexer specifically for the desktop machines. You will also need an appropriate motor with belt or gear reduction and a matching stepper driver to properly interface it with the SB board, plus whatever cables and wiring. Depending on the motor, you may also need another power supply, although I think the one in the DT should work for most.

Here's the thing...if you don't want the aggravation, you just buy the SB one. If you are trying to save money, then you will pay for it in time and sweat equity. In the end, it all costs the same, unless you believe your time is worth nothing.

-B

[phil_o]

Is there a link to the indexer that Shopbot offers specifically for desktop machines?

Phil

[Brady Watson]

Not much more than this. (http://youtu.be/quiWGVTv6O0)

-B

[bill.young]

Matthew...I saw that design a while back and thought it was really creative. It would take a little head-scratching but I don't see any reason you couldn't do it on a Desktop.

If you decide to give it a try let me know...I'd be interested in helping out.

Bill

[myxpykalix]

I seem to recall asking the cost of the indexer for the desktop and was told it was $900.00