More Indexing in the Lathe

**Abratool** · 19th July 2012, 06:27 PM

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Caravan.
Its quite an upgrade from sleeping on the ground in our 30 second OZ Tent which we will still use, for those out of the way places.

However, the first job was to make something faster than the hand crank that came with the van for raising & lowering the 4 stabilsing legs under the van.
So I set to it & made an extended socket spanner, driven by a conventional battery Makita Drill
The photos describe it. A piece of 7/8" dia MS was held by the Sherwin Chuck in the indexer. A 1/2" square was machined to accept the 3/4" AF Socket spanner.
This was then drilled & pinned to a piece of 1/2" dia BMS rod. A screw was used to hold the socket in place so it does not get lost.
The other end of the rod was machined to a hexagon, to fit into the drill chuck.
Presto, a few hours of enjoyable work & all is finished.

I bet these things can be purchased for a few $s But there is more pleasure in making it

regards
Bruce
ps Thanks BT for the suggestion to purchase the Sherwin Chuck, its a little beauty.
pps Also thanks to Stustoys for mention of a steady rest for photos. The last 3 photos were taken with a stabilised camera on my rifle bipod. Photos are improving.

**Stustoys** · 19th July 2012, 10:27 PM

Good one Bruce,
This is the sort of tool I love. Then every time I use it I say to SWMBO, "gee its lucky I have the tools to make this sort of thing"

Stuart

**Anorak Bob** · 20th July 2012, 11:05 AM

It would appear that my mate Bruce has been watching too much of the Tour de France. Paul Sherwin is one of the commentators. Sherline are the makers of the little chuck Bruce is using. I have one and it is superb.

Nice job. Why the lathe and not the mill? I like the socket retaining screw, it is annoying leaving the flaming socket behind.

BT

**simonl** · 20th July 2012, 03:23 PM

Nice work Bruce. I'm already jealous of your caravan. We still slum it in our freedom camping tent!

Also, same question as Bob, why did you choose to mill on the lathe?

Simon

**Abratool** · 20th July 2012, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by simonl

Nice work Bruce. I'm already jealous of your caravan. We still slum it in our freedom camping tent!

Also, same question as Bob, why did you choose to mill on the lathe?

Simon

Simon
Although I have a nice Hercus Model O mill, the Hercus Indexer I purchased on E Bay a couple of years back is very easy & quick to set up on the lathe.
Its just a matter of removing the Lathe Toolpost by undoing 2 set screws & dropping the Indexer head into position.I also made a micrometer stop for the Lathe & it works very well with the Hercus Lathe Indexer.
The indexer will fit onto the mill with a modified holder I have used to clamp it to the Mill table. So its really just a toss up between the 2 machines.
The little Sherwin Chuck is great for small short work. The 3C collets in the indexer are excellent for securing long workpieces.
Thanks for your interest.

regards
Bruce

**Anorak Bob** · 20th July 2012, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Abratool

Simon
Although I have a nice Hercus Model O mill, the Hercus Indexer I purchased on E Bay a couple of years back is very easy & quick to set up on the lathe.
Its just a matter of removing the Lathe Toolpost by undoing 2 set screws & dropping the Indexer head into position.I also made a micrometer stop for the Lathe & it works very well with the Hercus Lathe Indexer.
The indexer will fit onto the mill with a modified holder I have used to clamp it to the Mill table. So its really just a toss up between the 2 machines.
The little Sherwin Chuck is great for small short work. The 3C collets in the indexer are excellent for securing long workpieces.
Thanks for your interest.

regards
Bruce

While you have the lens cap off, how about a photo of the modified holder you use to mount the indexer on the mill table.

Please.

BT who is still stuggling to level that bloody green lathe

**Abratool** · 20th July 2012, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by Anorak Bob

While you have the lens cap off, how about a photo of the modified holder you use to mount the indexer on the mill table.

Please.

BT who is still stuggling to level that bloody green lathe

Bob
I will get some photos accordingly, the next thing I need to make is a suitable tailstock for the Indexer.
regards
Bruce

**simonl** · 21st July 2012, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by Abratool

Simon
Although I have a nice Hercus Model O mill, the Hercus Indexer I purchased on E Bay a couple of years back is very easy & quick to set up on the lathe.
Its just a matter of removing the Lathe Toolpost by undoing 2 set screws & dropping the Indexer head into position.I also made a micrometer stop for the Lathe & it works very well with the Hercus Lathe Indexer.
The indexer will fit onto the mill with a modified holder I have used to clamp it to the Mill table. So its really just a toss up between the 2 machines.
The little Sherwin Chuck is great for small short work. The 3C collets in the indexer are excellent for securing long workpieces.
Thanks for your interest.

regards
Bruce

I see. Thanks for explaining. Nice setup Bruce.

Simon

**Anorak Bob** · 21st July 2012, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Abratool

Bob
I will get some photos accordingly, the next thing I need to make is a suitable tailstock for the Indexer.
regards
Bruce

Here is a rough sketch of a Hercus look-a-like. Let me know if you require a copy of the entire drawing.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/ta...ml#post1295376

There are often ophan tailstocks on US Ebay that are cheap and could be adapted to the mill though it wouldn't be too hard too make a non height adjustable tailstock from a piece of cast iron or bright square bar.

BT

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