Thread: Indexing ring for old Woodfast X150

Originally Posted by Lyle

I'd like to modify my old Woodfast X150 lathe to have an indexing ring. I have an idea myself but maybe someone has beaten me to it and has already done it.

Anyone??

Lyle, I made an adaption on my x150 a few years ago for wooden gear cutting. As it is no longer listed on the clocks forum, I'll try and post a couple of photos of it. Pm me if you require any further information on it .
regards John

Originally Posted by nine fingers

Lyle, I made an adaption on my x150 a few years ago for wooden gear cutting. As it is no longer listed on the clocks forum, I'll try and post a couple of photos of it. Pm me if you require any further information on it .
regards John

I think you may be referring to this thread, it is in Woodturning-General.

Thanks for the input.
That is exactly the type of info I was after.
No need to re-invent the wheel.

Lyle.

I have built a couple by carefully laying out the holes and drilling them. It is much easier and way more versatile to just buy this one. www.ironfirellc.com They have them to fit 1" and 1 1/4" spindles in mini and full size. They work great. I've had mine for 2 or 3 years now and used it a lot.

Thanks for that link John.
I had a look. How do they mount to your spindle? My old Woodfast has a spindle with a thread 1" 10 TPI.
Their site has one with 1" - 8. Is that 1" 8 TPI?

Lyle.

There is just a hole in the center so the 1" dimension is the only critical dimension not the thread pitch. It is held in place by installing the faceplate or chuck. It's just a flat disc. You have to build some sort of block with holes to match the index plate. That's easy enough. The simplest way is to build an L shaped bracket that sits on the lathe bed near the headstock. You can put pins through the index plate and into this L standard to lock the wheel in place. I have a Powermatic 3530. I just glued a wooden block to the headstock with 4 holes to match the index wheel holes.

Thanks again John.
I have tried to contact the ironfire link people via e-mail but no reply as yet.
Can I impose on you again for more info.
How thick is the ring, is that the dimension in the description ie 1"- 8 equals 1' diameter mounting hole and 8mm thick material?
What size are the indexing holes?

thanks for your replies.
Lyle.

I believe the 1"x8 means 8 threads per inch but that doesn't matter. It's the 1" that matters. If the back of your spindle is 1" your cool. The index wheel is about 1/8" thick. It's made from a tough flexible material. One friend bought one and they post office folded it into his mailbox. It straightened out in a few days and was fine.
The index holes are an odd size somewhere around 1/8". I used a number sized drill to make the holes in my index block. It may have been just a hair under 1/8" but I'd have to check.

Thanks for your input guys.
I purchased the indexing wheel from Iron Fire.
Cost was about $AU40 including postage for two (a mate bought one as well).

I was lucky that a piece of 100 x 70 x 6 mm angle iron was perfect for the indexing pin block. You have to be careful and accurately drill the holes for the indexing pin.

Now just to get into it and create something.

Good outcome Lyle

Bit confused though, you say $A40 for 2 including postage, that sounds very cheap as they are listed on their website for $US24.95 each.

Do you mean $A40 each including postage, if you buy 2 at the same time?

Rough estimate. Correct their website $24 US plus postage (ours was $12 US postage I think for the two).
$74 AU for two including postage. So works out to $37 each. Correct re the price on their website. I had trouble ordering as their website failed to allow international ordering, so I contacted them via e-mail and ordered through that. Paid via paypal.
Easy as once website confusion/error was worked out.

I haven't used the indexing wheel yet but see potential.
It is plastic so I doubt it'd stand up to a constant useage but for me doing hobby stuff it'll last me out I reckon.
It was easier for me to get this shop made one rather than trying to get all the holes accurately drilled myself along with the other construction issues.

Lyle I don't know exactly what the index wheels are made of but it is virtually indestructable. My friend ordered one and the mailman folded it to fit in the mailbox. He called in a panic and told him to just lay it out in the sun for a while. It flattened right out. I've been using mine extensively for about 3 years now. Other than scuff marks from handling it looks and works like it's new.
There is another one on the market. VM Woodworking sells one that is made out of what looks like Lexan. It's thicker (about 1/4") and very stiff. It has 1/4" holes instead of the #93 drill size holes in the ironfire. The holes are numbered which makes it easier to use. Mine has a very minor amount of slop when it fits on the spindle. This hasn't affected the actual use. I suspect this is done to make sure it fits the tolerance specs of all lathes. The ironfire is slightly flexible so it will tolerate a snug fit. Micheal Hare is the owner but does not have a website.
V M Woodworking


3607 Lakeshore Dr Sw
Smyrna, GA 30082-3038 map
<dl><dt>Phone:</dt><dd class="tel"> (770) 434-9080</dd></dl>