BROWN & SHARPE UNIVERSAL DIVIDING HEAD

[BROCKWOOD]

Here we are in the Beginner's Forum because quite honestly there is not a YouTube channel or Google search that will give you enough answers to figure out how to do what it is that you want to do. We are all on our own in figuring out just what comes next. It is fun to glean ideas from those that do share! I watch YouTube a lot & consider it to be my latest foray of learning. As a wantabe machinist, YouTube is my college.
Today's topic, the beginning of this class, is what to do with incorrect or otherwise no longer work properly parts on an old Brown & Sharpe Dividing Head. Seen it on so many YouTube channels rights???? In this class, we will begin with a random eBay purchase. 1st pic. As advertised. 2nd pic. on the table awaiting reassembly from as shipped. Now looking at the area around where the dividing wheel mounts.............What is up with the shaft? That little plunger that gets locked out of the way & is never covered on YouTube............This 1 needs to be finished out. The set point in the set screw doesn't even fit the slot. So, this is where we will start. Questions?

 

[4GSR]

That little piece in the third picture should have a spring behind it when assembled into that hole just above the stem where the index plate mounts.
When you are using it for straight indexing, the pin is lined up with the hole nearest to it in the index plate you are using. When using the dividing head for cutting helixes and I believe differential indexing, the pin is not engaged with the index plate. It's been over 30 years since the last time I used the one I had, which was just like this one in the pictures.

 

[BROCKWOOD]

Thanks Ken. Yes the spring is still in the housing. Just trying to get the pin on the end of the set screw to fit the slot in the larger pin. Then it's on to the rest of what needs to be brought back to stock.

 

[seasicksteve]

I think I have the gear set that goes to that style dividing head. They dont fit the cinci head I have

 

[BROCKWOOD]

Hoping to keep progress going on this restoration. I ordered up a set of mini end mills to put the slot size right for the pin in pic 1. Also, in the same pic is 1 of 2 screws needed for the slide adjuster. I have to make another since there should be 2. In the next pic, there is what appears to be a bit of mangled up allen wrench for a pin. Does anyone have a clear pic of what this should look like?

 

[4GSR]

I don't recall mine having the set screw or the thumb screw. Seem like there was a pin driven into the piece the slotted piece went into. That thumb screw is not original. Mine had the index handle go thru a rectangular slot in the shaft in your bottom picture, instead of having an offset piece that it fits into as yours has. I think someone has been monkeying with yours.

 

[BROCKWOOD]

OldMachinist, in his thread shows a very similar arrangement to mine for the thumbscrews. All the same - mine has been monkeyed with. I intend to undo all the monkey business. I've shown the index crank handle assembly on top of the unit itself to point out another difference. Instead of the neat little popup oilers, I have 2 grease zerts, 1 of which is in a different location. Mine must be a newer version.

 

[4GSR]

Okay, I see where the thumb screw goes. Mine was a little older model from yours and didn't have that feature. Sorry.

 

[benmychree]

That little piece in the third picture should have a spring behind it when assembled into that hole just above the stem where the index plate mounts.
When you are using it for straight indexing, the pin is lined up with the hole nearest to it in the index plate you are using. When using the dividing head for cutting helixes and I believe differential indexing, the pin is not engaged with the index plate. It's been over 30 years since the last time I used the one I had, which was just like this one in the pictures.

I have one and use it frequently; yes, what you state is correct regarding the pin behind the dividing plate.

 

[benmychree]

I think I have the gear set that goes to that style dividing head. They dont fit the cinci head I have

I have a set for a Cincinnati dividing head and the housing that the change gears mount in for table drive of the dividing head; I'd like to sell them, as they do not fit my Brown & Sharpe --- which I do have all the gearing for, including the short lead attachment.