Spindle Indexer

The spindle indexer can be used to index a workpiece on a rose engine or ornamental lathe. It's used to help create a pattern on a workpiece. It has 72 positions, one every 5 degrees. The indexer's lever uses spring pressure to quickly and easily lock the spindle into a new position. The spindles, both male and female, are 1 inch x 8 threads per inch.

Example of use with an ellipse chuck:

Print details:

• Material: PETG (PLA may also work but I have not tested it thoroughly.)
• Layer height: 0.20mm
• Supports: Yes, but only a few.
• Infill: 20% in most cases. 100% for smaller parts, and around holes and bearing openings.
• Perimeters: Should be increased to at least 3 for additional strength. 

Parts list:

• 1-M6x27mm bolt
• 2-M3x25mm bolts
• 2-M3 locknuts
• 1-M6 locknut
• 1-35x62x14 bearing
• 2-6x12x4 bearings
• 2 part epoxy
• White paint - to make the indicator marks a bit easier to see.
• Spring - length - 31mm or 1.125 inches, outside diameter - 9.52mm or 0.375 inches, wire diameter - .96mm or 0.037 inches. The spring must be strong enough to hold the indexer in position. Something close to these dimentions should work. 

Build Video:

This tool was not designed to hold a heavy metal chuck, I would recommend using threaded wood glue blocks to attach the workpiece. This tool also was not designed for and should not be used on a high-speed lathe! Most conventional wood lathes do not turn slowly enough to use this safely. Do not attempt to turn this tool faster than 5 rpm. 

Remember to work safe. 

• Do not overreach or use excessive force to perform any machine operation.
• Never wear loose clothing, watch, rings, or gloves when operating a lathe.
• Tie back long hair or anything which could be caught in moving parts.
• Keep small childen away from machinery, and away from small loose parts which could be a choking hazard. 
• Always wear eye and face protection when operating a lathe.