dhall Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 What is the value and function of an indexing lathe? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minorhero Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawrence Brown Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhall Posted October 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwatson Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 also fluting etc you can mark precise locations around the round surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AceHoleInOne Posted October 3, 2010 Report Share Posted October 3, 2010 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- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
went_postal Posted October 4, 2010 Report Share Posted October 4, 2010 I find the indexing pin on my lathe very helpful in removing my 4 jaw chuck. =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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