Question on Vertex dividing plates

**Jekyll and Hyde** · 6th January 2011, 02:29 PM

So, I got a 10" Vertex rotary table for Christmas, and one of the things I want to do is make dividing plates for it. Yes, I could have bought them, but where would be the fun in that! However, I'm running into a problem which is confusing the hell out of me, and also makes me think that I may have accidentally made a good choice here.

The problem is as follows: While the Vertex manual (https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/im...ries/38121.pdf) shows that for the tables of 8" and above, there are two dividing plates, one with 18 sets of holes and one with 16 sets of holes, every photo I find of the two plates for these tables only have 9 and 8 sets of holes. I've counted a couple of sets on the lower number plate, and worked out that these plates only have every second set of holes on them. The end result being that certain numbers can't be divided with the available plates, like for example 25 (the 30 hole set has been skipped).

As far as I can see, the 6" plates suffer a similar problem, although they have the 'complete' sets of holes on the available plates, the table that tells you which plate and hole set to use for given number of divisions is simply blank for certain divisions - for example, 28 divisions, 51 through 53 divisions, and getting worse as it gets higher.

It seems to me, that if I'm going to make my own dividing plates anyway, I may as well make 4 plates up, and not skip any of the required hole sets at all? Thoughts, corrections? Have I just confused myself or missed something really simple, or is that really how it is?

*EDIT* come to think of it, I could probably make the two plates same as you would buy, and get away with only making one more to cover the 'indivisible' numbers..... Have to sit down and work out how many there are of those....

**Stustoys** · 6th January 2011, 02:37 PM

I believe the short answer is that you are forgetting the worm gear.

Stuart

**Stustoys** · 6th January 2011, 02:44 PM

The table in the pdf shows that your head with the 2 plates will do all divisions until at least 100.
Remember its not a simple indexer(like a gear with a pin locking it)

Stuart

P.s.The plates arent doing the division of the circle, the plates are doing divisions of one turn of the handle. Your head need 90 turns of the handle to turn a full 360deg cricle

To put it another way. If you had a division plate that only had one hole you could still do divisions of 90, 45, 30,15, 10, 6, 5, 3, 2 (I may have missed some)(lol I missed 9 and 18)

Dave J · 6th January 2011, 03:19 PM

I have these plates and can take pictures/measurements if you want.

Dave

**pipeclay** · 6th January 2011, 04:15 PM

You do realize that there are holes on both sides of the plates.

**Jekyll and Hyde** · 6th January 2011, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by pipeclay

You do realize that there are holes on both sides of the plates.

No, that I definitely did not realise.... So while the plates in the photos appear to only have say 9 sets out of the 18 holes, the 'missing' 9 sets are on the other side? I thought the holes went all the way through, but obviously not going by what you are saying....

**Stustoys** · 6th January 2011, 06:12 PM

Seems I didnt read the question properly

hehe
Stuart

**Jekyll and Hyde** · 6th January 2011, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Dave J

I have these plates and can take pictures/measurements if you want.

Dave

Dave, that would be interesting to see the dimensions of the actual plates. Not that it should really make much difference given that the whole thing will be homemade and I can make them whatever I like. I'm guessing at the moment that they are roughly about 190mm in diameter and 10mm thick, with 3mm pin holes of about 4mm depth. The PCD of the 3 mounting bolts is given in the manual, which helps

.

**pipeclay** · 6th January 2011, 10:15 PM

If you make the plates much bigger than standard you will have to extend the sector arms.

**Jekyll and Hyde** · 6th January 2011, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by pipeclay

If you make the plates much bigger than standard you will have to extend the sector arms.

Well, I have to make them from scratch too.... Along with the locating pin mechanism and arm! One of the advantages (?) of starting with nothing

**pipeclay** · 6th January 2011, 10:42 PM

Good on you for making the whole thing but if you can find the sector arm and associated bits somewhere for less than $80,I would buy them.

Dave J · 6th January 2011, 10:59 PM

This one might help you out with making them.
It another thread from Rob Wilson.
Lathe Indexing Attachment

Dave

Dave J · 6th January 2011, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by pipeclay

Good on you for making the whole thing but if you can find the sector arm and associated bits somewhere for less than $80,I would buy them.

I picked up a new/second hand set for a 6 inch rotary table from the UK for $80 posted, all I need now is the 6 inch rotary table.

It's coming lol

Dave

**pipeclay** · 7th January 2011, 10:06 AM

Standard plates are 180 OD,11mm thick,holes are 3mmDia X 4mm Deep,if you are thinking of doing a 127 plate it should be at least 200 OD.

**Jekyll and Hyde** · 8th January 2011, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by pipeclay

Standard plates are 180 OD,11mm thick,holes are 3mmDia X 4mm Deep,if you are thinking of doing a 127 plate it should be at least 200 OD.

Thanks for that mate! Now, I just need a roundtoit, and I'll be all set (that, and to clear my current mess off the mill!)

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