Indexing

[dhall]

What is the value and function of an indexing lathe?

Thanks.

[minorhero]

What is the value and function of an indexing lathe?

Thanks.

I've never done it but my understanding is that it is used to make cuts in a circular piece of wood at very precise locations. Think wooden gears.

[Lawrence Brown]

As Applewood said, it's for rotating the head a specific amount. The usual way is there is a round plate attached to the head stock with holes in it that are evenly spaced. There is a pin mounted to the lathe that you can push into the hole and lock the head in one place. That's normally only used for fancy things like putting flats on a turning using a router or something: flatten the top, turn it 90 degrees, flatten the next side, and so on.

Note: this cannot be used with the lathe running, since it locks the head into place!

Bottom line: if you don't know what it is, you'll probably never use it, and if you need it later, there are many ways to add a home-made one later.

[dhall]

Thanks.

[jwatson]

also fluting etc you can mark precise locations around the round surface.

[AceHoleInOne]

Shaping cabriole leggs with hand tools. Easly rotate your leggs on the lathe, lock it down where you want and keep shaping. Works great instead of a clamp and vice.

-Ace-

[went_postal]

I find the indexing pin on my lathe very helpful in removing my 4 jaw chuck. =)