The Modular Dividing Head
Model Engineers' Workshop|January 2020
Ted Hansen makes a flexible system for dividing using standard change gears, including an explanation of its use with various popular lathes.
The Modular Dividing Head

“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.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Model Engineers' Workshop.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Model Engineers' Workshop.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MODEL ENGINEERS' WORKSHOPView All
Readers' Workshops - Patrick Cubbon
Model Engineers' Workshop

Readers' Workshops - Patrick Cubbon

Patrick Cubbon describes his workshops – a portable one from 1963 and the current accommodation

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2020
Desktop Gear Hobbing
Model Engineers' Workshop

Desktop Gear Hobbing

Toby Kinsey has designed this fascinating piece of gearmaking equipment

time-read
9 mins  |
May 2020
The John Stevenson Trophy 2020
Model Engineers' Workshop

The John Stevenson Trophy 2020

Many readers and forum members will remember John Stevenson, a contributor to MEW but best known for his larger-than life presence on the Model Engineer forum.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2020
From the Archives: Twist drill Sharpening by the Four Facet Method
Model Engineers' Workshop

From the Archives: Twist drill Sharpening by the Four Facet Method

Giles Parkes, MEW Issue 64, February/March 2000

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2020
Dividing on the Warco 220 Lathe
Model Engineers' Workshop

Dividing on the Warco 220 Lathe

Peter Shaw describes a mandrel dividing attachment for this popular lathe that can be adapted to fit many other benchtop machines

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2020
Choosing Steels
Model Engineers' Workshop

Choosing Steels

Stub Mandrel offers some advice on choosing the right steel for the job

time-read
7 mins  |
May 2020
A Storage Story
Model Engineers' Workshop

A Storage Story

Robin King shares the lessons learned from his experience of workshop moves

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2020
A Simple Drill Grinding Aid
Model Engineers' Workshop

A Simple Drill Grinding Aid

A newcomer to our hobby was having trouble sharpening drills, so Howard Lewis made a simple aid for him

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2020
Yet Another Bodge-Up!
Model Engineers' Workshop

Yet Another Bodge-Up!

Peter Shaw finds a use for some aged homebrew slot drills.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2020
Workshop Press Tooling Part 2
Model Engineers' Workshop

Workshop Press Tooling Part 2

Will Doggett makes a set of tooling for his press tool described starting in issue 285

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2020