10 1/2 foot posts on 8 foot indexer

[steve]

There is almost always a way...
6 newel posts 7x7x54"
this is how I connect the tall posts

[myxpykalix]

Steve,
Very cool but i'm confused. It looks like you have mounted your indexer beyond the confines of the bed but i'm not sure i see the point of doing that? Is that part not cut or do you turn the part around and finish it that way? Wouldn't it be easier to make it in sections and dowel it together?

It looks like you made threads and screw the parts together? Excellent work!

[dmidkiff]

Very nice work. Did you make the threaded dowel like all thread or is it milled on post?

[Brian Harnett]

Nice I need to set up an indexer.

[Brady Watson]

Very nicely done Steve! Thanks for posting!

-B

[steve]

Hi Jack,
These are load bearing posts (6), customer wanted them in one piece. I turn one section, then flip post end for end and turn the lower section. I can reach the end of the post at the tail stock, that's why the head stock sticks out so far, about 3 feet or so. Mounted the track on a piece of 1/4 x 6" flat iron, bolted 4" to the main table and lag bolted a wide pine leg near the indexer.
The threads are 1 1/4" and made with a wood threading kit from http://www.bealltool.com/
I use threads to join tall posts so they pack smaller for shipping and less vibration when turning shorter pieces.

[steve]

The threaded dowel is about 3 inches, I drill a hole in each post section and tap it using wax on the tap. Wood does not tap well in end grain but well enough if you don't cross thread, the wax helps.
If anyone is going to try this Start the hole BEFORE you turn the post.

[kevin]

Steve the top section with the panel looks amazing no round out in the corners .I want to extend my cnc to 10 ft and add z height .Thanks for the post

[myxpykalix]

Steve you seem to be the "Obe Wan Kenobe" of the indexer! What a master

I wish more guys would dust off the indexers they have sitting around and hook them up. They would find out how much more creativity they have with it in their tool box. Excellent work Buddy!

[steve]

hi Kevin,
how are things over there on the rock!
I am as busy as I've ever been.