The Modular Dividing Head

Ted Hansen makes a flexible system for dividing using standard change gears, including an explanation of its use with various popular lathes.

“What!”You say, “Yet another indexing head project? Aren’t there a lot of these already?” Yes there are. But this one really is different. It is the simplest, easiest to construct and most versatile small indexing device available.

It is a unique design featuring interchangeable spindles, a versatile single bolt mounting, a spring index for direct indexing and an (optional) worm indexing attachment for more complex indexing operations. The spindles are removable and can also be used in the lathe so that work can be left on the same spindle for both turning and milling operations. It can be used for making cams, graduating dials and radiusing as well as dividing circular work.

It can be mounted on the lathe, milling machine or on the workbench and set to any desired angle. The head is basically a square block so it can easily be aligned to any available reference surface using a square or an alignment template.

With the worm drive attachment, it is capable of producing almost any desired division. It is quick and easy to set up and use. It costs very little. The basic “direct indexing” unit can be built in a couple of evenings from stock material.

It was inspired by a 1966 article in Model Engineer magazine by Martin Cleeve, one of the most ingenious designers to grace the pages of that magazine over its long history. The subject of the article was a new method of making gear cutters but, almost as an aside, it included a unique indexer with interchangeable spindles and indexing gears. Adapting this basic design to use stock materials and introducing the modular concept for the accessories produced the indexer shown here.

It consists of four components:

1. a rectangular body which has been bored to accept a work holding spindle.

2. a series of interchangeable work holding spindles.