Direct indexing disk -what is it for?

[Nelson]

On a dividing head, on the spindle that turns and is threaded for a chuck, is something known as a direct indexing disk. My small LW dividing head on my Burke #4 does not have one, and I don't think the larger LW I just got on EBay has it.

Newbie questions:

Do I REALLY need the direct indexing disk?
What does it do exactly?
Can I retrofit the LWs with DI disks from an Asian import?
(the way I put HF parts on my Baldor grinder?)

Thanks,

+#$


Nelson

 

[Highpower]

Just to add to what Dave posted above, direct indexing is done by disengaging the worm drive (hand crank) and turning the spindle of the dividing head by hand until the pin drops into the next hole you want to use. (Much like a "spindex".) It's just faster than working the crank back and forth to get the pin and the hole aligned.

That's my version anyway....
Here is a peek at mine.