Removable Indexer on a PRT

[br928]

I finally got around to mounting my indexer on my PRT. I could not permanently mount the indexer so I had to make it removable. The Z axis for the router is set up so I can use the overhang at the end of the table to reach the indexer. The indexer platform hangs from the C rails. There are bolts on either side to adjust the platform to square it up with the Y carriage. Once that is done the platform is clamped to the table legs.


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I read over a year ago where more documentation was forthcoming on this accessory. I have not been able to find much. I missed the Austin SB camp and understand there was some discussion there about using the indexer. Has anyone come up with some good software yet? (maybe ought to ask Vetric for a post!) I know some of you other botters are using these. So share some of the wealth of knowledge!

[myxpykalix]

Stan, that was my post:
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/mes...312/19760.html
and the short answer is that since that time, almost a year ago, nothing has been forthcoming.

[br928]

I guess if you keep someones "feet to the fire" long enough they get used to it! Ted?

[mrdovey]

As with open-source SB_CUT code, I think the expression is "RSN".

[br928]

Morris, how about another hint. RSN?

Where are all the indexer experts? I need to put this accessory to a challange.

[scottcox]

Stan,

That's a tough one, but the indexer is also one of the main reasons that I bought a shopbot.

I've done work on it a couple of different ways.

1) Wrote my own programs for simple spirals using windows notepad. See the wiki for details...

2) Converted "flat" 3d files into "round" files by converting the M3 commands to M5 commands and changing the Y moves to B moves. Email for more info on that. I'll try to find it.

3) Using Vectric's Cut3D for 4-sided files and rotated the indexer 90 degrees between sides.

[Brady Watson]

Stan,
What is it that you want to produce? The indexer can be suprisingly simple (and productive) for simple parts, and require heavy duty software and lots of brain power for more complex parts like 3D etc. There is quite a bit of room between 2D and 3D parts in terms of complexity. It ain't rocket science, but it does often require good planning and clear thinking to pull it off. Not all 2D parts are easy, and not all 3D parts are hard to setup either...It often comes down to the shape and machining strategy.

-B

[mrdovey]

Stan...

"RSN" is short for "Real Soon Now" - an expression so overused and underintended that it has a strict tongue-in-cheek context.

My indexer has never (six years and counting) come out of the box. It's still waiting for me to have enough leisure time to "play".

I have a fondness for analytic geometry and would probably have taken Scott's route (written my own SBP programs) if I'd had a pressing need.

...Morris

[dana_swift]

Morris- what is SB_CUT? I wrote my own SBP generator for my own parts, I presume I must not be the only one to have done so..

Has anybody else taken that route?

[Brady Watson]

"what is SB_CUT?" - The DOS version of the control software v2.39 or earlier. It can only be used on a PRT Standard or earlier.

-B