Group Project: Dividing Head - The Build

[rwm]

You are right. the Aux end may not need a plate. It can always be tried without a plate and one added if needed.
I have the new drawings for the aux end based off of a 2.000 diameter.
I have moved the worm assy in to 2.100.
I used the relief that was already in the Aux Plate to make a 180°sweep over the top so now you can rotate in either direction, also moved it in a bit to allow room for the housing.

I am still working i the 3D model and have not fixed the drawings yet.

@Flyinfool -I should point out that making the relief in the Aux Base go 180 deg will NOT allow the spindle to pivot to both sides. Keep in mind that the worm is offset from the spindle by 90 deg so this would only allow you to rotate the spindle straight down (which is obviously not useful.)
Also, my change in direction will probably necessitate me moving the shifter so you might want to keep the direction as is.

 

[extropic]

@rwm
Regardless of the pin design you decide on, I'd like to understand what you mean by "pin that is half threaded".
I can guess, but then it's my idea, maybe not anything like what you have in mind. TIA

 

[rwm]

I was thinking I could just thread a section of the back end so it could lock in place but would not need to be unscrewed along its entire length. Maybe like 2 or 3 turns would release it and you could pull it back. I think it is too fussy with trial and error to know how far the pin will insert and other factors.

 

[rwm]

I used the induction cooktop to heat the index plate for a nice shrink fit. They are perfectly aligned as far as I can tell.


Question number next? What material for the index pin? What are they on a commercial model? I am thinking brass is too soft?

 

[extropic]

Pin material? I would use a gage pin = hard, cylindrical, fine finish, good fit. The taper would need to be ground on a hard pin. Do you have a method to grind an accurate taper? Otherwise, O1 and heat treat.

 

[rwm]

It cannot be hardened since my plan is to cross drill it. I could use O1 and harden the tip? Why do I want it harder than the index plate?

 

[extropic]

I obviously don't understand all the variables you have in mind. I didn't anticipate that you would want to cross drill the pin. I'm sure you'll do just fine.

 

[extropic]

It cannot be hardened since my plan is to cross drill it. I could use O1 and harden the tip? Why do I want it harder than the index plate?

Because you've got 24 holes and only one pin?

 

[rwm]

Because you've got 24 holes and only one pin?

Interesting thought. Do we know if pins are hardened on other indexers?
In other news, I may have a creative solution for the spring loaded pin. Stay tuned.

 

[Ianagos]

How about a semi hard material for the pin?

I turn a lot of 17-4 in h900 it’s around 43 hrc but still turns well and leaves a mirror finish