Group Project: Dividing Head - Organization and Design

[ErichKeane]

We're up to 6 participants so far. The goal is for everyone to end with their own dividing head.

@ErichKeane If you can't find material that will work as the base, we can swap out. I have material to make two bases sitting on the shelf, and I can get another 15ft if I want it. Worst case is, I could ship you the acme rod, hob and fixture I made for making gears. I'm good either way.

What the "keys" you are referring to?

This is why I mentioned that I will need to confer with each person about the part(s) they are making so I can taylor the design and drawings to work with their material and machines as well as fit up with everyone else's parts. There are many features that can be easily changed but may also affect other parts that can be easily changed to match.

The keys are removable tabs on the bottom of the unit to bump against the slots in the table for alignment.

Yep, those are the keys I mean! I envision cutting a square '+' into the bottom. You can then put a key into one of the directions to center it on you T-slots, similar to the older Kurt Vises.

I definitely think a few review cycles of customizing to the group manufacturing capabilities and and material availability (plus the group's needs) is a good idea.

 

[erikmannie]

We're up to 6 participants so far. The goal is for everyone to end with their own dividing head.

@ErichKeane If you can't find material that will work as the base, we can swap out. I have material to make two bases sitting on the shelf, and I can get another 15ft if I want it. Worst case is, I could ship you the acme rod, hob and fixture I made for making gears. I'm good either way.

What the "keys" you are referring to?

That is really great news that I have a chance of ending up with a dividing head, as that is on my list of future purchases.

I had thought that I was going to make one shaft, and the OP (or somebody else) was going to end up with the dividing head.

I am ready to do my part! If making X number of spindles is not enough of a contribution, I am willing to take on something else.

 

[Brento]

@Shotgun My watch makers lathe can maybe swing up to 3/4 diameter. I can not do knurls at this point but what i can do is instead make indented ribs on the handles along the length. If someone is making up prints for it the i am sure i can make them. I can not thread on this little lathe but i can use a die to make them. Just let me know as it goes worst case i can back out of doing it
This is my watchmakers lathe.

 

[ttabbal]

Looks like we're getting close to enough people. Any idea how wide the slot in the trunnion needs to be? I'm probably going to need to order a carbide rougher.

 

[Brento]

@Shotgun My watch makers lathe can maybe swing up to 3/4 diameter. I can not do knurls at this point but what i can do is instead make indented ribs on the handles along the length. If someone is making up prints for it the i am sure i can make them. I can not thread on this little lathe but i can use a die to make them. Just let me know as it goes worst case i can back out of doing itView attachment 359089
This is my watchmakers lathe.

Edit that i can get away with an inch in my chuck and with the swing across the carrage.

 

[Shotgun]

Looks like we're getting close to enough people. Any idea how wide the slot in the trunnion needs to be? I'm probably going to need to order a carbide rougher.

I laid it out to be a 1" slot for the 1" thick gear, but that is definitely overkill. Make the gear 3/4" or even 1/2" and it is probably still overkill. What say ye'?

 

[Shotgun]

Edit that i can get away with an inch in my chuck and with the swing across the carrage.

Then you want to put your name in for the Worm Crank and include the Indexing pin/Handle? I could do the crank arm, since you couldn't do that on that lathe?

 

[rwm]

The slot could be cut with a band saw and then cleaned up with an end mill like Mark did. It may actually be harder to work with a smaller slot? This project is interesting. I could jump into the worm crank and associated hardware if Brento doesn't want to tackle it on the small lathe.
Robert

 

[Brento]

What is the worm crank so i know exactly what part it is.

Edit: feel stupid asking that lol but its just another handle on the indexing plate side?

 

[ttabbal]

I laid it out to be a 1" slot for the 1" thick gear, but that is definitely overkill. Make the gear 3/4" or even 1/2" and it is probably still overkill. What say ye'?

If you're set up for a 1" thick gear, might as well go with it. I was thinking about using the bandsaw for the bulk of the slot, I just wanted to make sure any end mills I order would fit in the slot in case it was thinner. I can't go much bigger than 1" anyway.