Making Indexing Plates TIPS

This is PART 4 of a 8 series on making indexing plates for a dividing head.
Watch part one --"Plasma Cutting Dividing Head Plates TIPS #620 tubalcain" and
part 2 ---"Making Dividing Head Plates TIPS #621Transfer Method tubalcain"
and part 3--Making Dividing Head Plates TIPS #622 ROTARY TABLE METHOD tubalcain
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#howtorunalathe#machineshop#howtorunabridgeport#index head#dividinghead#gearcutting#boltcircles

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Each video in this series is more interesting than the previous. No telling how many 1000's of amateur machinists will benefit from this. Thanks for the video.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@jbuffalo65jb]

Watching Mr. Pete while doing the dishes, the old fashion way. Makes the time fly for a chore I don't look forward to.

[@mrpete222]

lol

[@ohmbug10]

It looks like you had a full class, as it should be. The best part about internet shop class is the pause button. That way I neither miss a moment of your wisdom nor disrupt the class when I refill my coffee. Nice job Mr. Pete.

[@mrpete222]

Thank you very much👍

[@lathammarx1458]

Lol, yes Tubalcain you have many fans who are enthralled by your "dungeon" workshop shenanigans! I have learned so much from watching your videos and had some great laughs as well. Your efforts are much appreciated and valued.

[@mrpete222]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ToBeeOrNotToBeHoney]

I am actually watching this years later, your teaching goes on... Thank you!

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@michaelmurray3422]

I watched the whole video, and it was NOT boring. I still learn new and different ways of doing things. Thank You !!!!!!

[@mrpete222]

Thank you very much

[@bcbloc02]

16:27 a tip for working like this. When you finish for the day move your spindle back to 0 and 0 that way if the power goes out you can easily pick back up from the correct location.

[@mrpete222]

Good idea

[@marksipes7919]

I always watch and listen all the way through. 👍

[@joemccarthywascorrect6240]

Absolutely I am watching! I miss my basement dungeon workshop ( which never was anywhere near so well equipped, but it was MY basement dungeon workshop 😎👍).

[@aerocam2]

Excellent tutorial! I learn so much from your method of teaching. Thank you!

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@grntitan1]

Even though my DRO has a great bolt hole program, I always put a Sharpie in the drill chuck and run through the complete program making a dot at each coordinate. This way I have Sharpie marks to make sure it looks right.

[@mrpete222]

That sounds like a mighty good practice

[@Halli50]

Of course I'm watching! A new 'mrpete222' shop video always calls for a fresh mug of coffee and then settling down for a spot of video-watching.

[@ronmiller682]

I dont think the video is to long for the people that are interested in this type of work. I absolutely love and learn a lot from the videos you make. Thank you again so much for your time and knowledge. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

[@rogerdeane3608]

I'm watching from OZ. Mesmerized. Love your work.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@edwardkawecki8101]

Excellent series! Not a lot of dividing head videos out there especially ones with personal mods. You've sparked some great ideas. Really like the close up project shots at the end and the personal remanisant shots like the what ever it takes to lift this machine one with the scaffolding. Necessity -- Mother of invention.

[@kevinbrown1420]

I watch all your videos.

[@cuteswan]

Yes, I've watched the whole thing and enjoyed seeing it all. BTW you're never truly alone, but no one wants to distract you when you're concentrating on tedious yet critical details. Thanks again.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@electricman5010]

Mr Pete ,you could use the two sided dividing plates with a rotary table.There may be viewers that are not aware that this is possible ! Adds a whole new dimension to the use of your rotary table.

[@mrpete222]

How do you mean?

[@jimintaos]

I have a Kempsmith #1 Universal milling machine. 2,700 pounds. It was lifted into the trailer by a gantry crane. However, at my end I had to unload it by myself with nothing more than rollers and a floor jack that I used to incline the trailer and then a chain fall that I used to control the thing as it rolled down the slightly inclined trailer bed. It was a fun afternoon.

[@mrpete222]

Wow, that sounds scary

[@lewismcclain8957]

I am watching from my seat on the front row of my shop class with a great shop teacher.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@thilde659]

I hope there will be 2 more. Enjoying this series.

[@guillermohernandez3252]

Merry Christmas and thanks for your efforts to make this videos happen

[@mrpete222]

Thank you, merry Christmas to you

[@jayrobertson64]

Watching and paying close attention.

[@mrpete222]

👍

[@christurley391]

What does the clamp ring do on the outside of the dividing head plate? Thanks for the video.

[@ExtantFrodo2]

@@donnerpartysupplies5187 If you look (for example at 6:47) you can see that it is used to secure the plate from rotating.

[@ralphgould2783]

Mr. Pete, Would it be more accurate to drill the holes with a screw machine length drill? Would the accuracy be better if you used an undersize screw machine drill, then ream with a 1/8 inch reamer? I know this would be slow with the change of drill and reamer. Just curious if it would be worth it. Could you do a short course on rotary tables and rotary index heads. Perhaps with some setups for cutting external gears. Great video. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

[@yt66228]

I love the video. Love the photos. Love the backstories. Need more stories!!!

[@mrpete222]

I’m running out of good stories

[@robingibson7503]

Love your stories!!!!

[@mrpete222]

lol

[@russelldold4827]

I'm watching, and I'll see this whole series through. I started an apprenticeship in 1972, and I love the many nuggets you so effortlessly dispense. Additional studies and examinations took me off the tools, but retirement sees me enjoying the immense satisfaction of turning rough metal into useful tools and equipment. As much as you show the how of the work, you share the philosophy of safe, methodical craftsmanship that is becoming all too rare. Long may you continue.

[@mrpete222]

👍👍

[@SweetTooth8989]

Oh yeah Mr. Pete I'm watching and do with all your videos. I learn so much from them.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@robertburns2415]

The symmetry on that part is beautiful. Thank you for showing the entire process. Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@lecnac855]

Well done.

[@jessjulian9458]

Yes I am watching. Though I don't know why.

[@larrywalker3137]

Yes I'm watching and I'm very interested thank you very much for putting these videos on

[@mrpete222]

👍👍

[@roylucas1027]

Thanks Mr. Pete, great video.

[@petertaylor9408]

The Hardange mills also had a vertical head. The horizontal machines came in two models one was plane mill the other was a universal machine,that is the table could be set at an angle. There were also two types of index heads one could be connected to the lead screw thru a gear box. The table was set at the helix angle and then lead screw was turned the index also turned thus milling a Helix or spiral. The are great machines

[@mrpete222]

When I was a student in high school, we had that vertical head

[@rwhitenz]

You could 3d print a plate if you needed one and didn't have the right plate. Really easy in something like open scad to create the plates but you would want a well calibrated 3d printer. They might not last for ever but would be good enough to drill a steel plate say if you got a dividing head without a plate. So many ways to make a plate just depends on what tools you have so good you are doing the series on options.

[@mrpete222]

I do that in the next video

[@dointh4198]

I am definetly watching this. Thank you so much!

[@lloyd4768]

I'm watching!!! Still trying to figure out how I'm going to make mine.

[@GaryT1952]

Fascinating project Mr. Pete. Why did you complete this plate with all the different divisions, whereas the previous plates were made solely for 15?

[@incubatork]

Of corse we are still here watching, both the newer DRO's on my mill and lathe have memory, even when you switch them off and on again they retain position. If you move the table or carraige when switched off, when you switch on they have the new position so as long as you write down the coordinates your good to go even after months(if you can find the paper you wrote them down on 😂😓) thats progress i supose.

[@mrpete222]

Mine doesn’t do any of that. Mine is probably 35 years old. Thank you for the information and keep watching

[@incubatork]

@@mrpete222 mine are reasonably new but i doubt they will last 35 years like yours, things were built better and to last once upon a time

[@michaelcerkez3895]

Yes I am watching. Me, my cup of coffee and Mr Pete. Church and breakfast in a couple of hours, but a great way to start the day!

[@martineastburn3679]

1/6 done !

[@kenny5174]

Makes me want to build one! I don't even have 1 dividing head. Great video, keep up the good work.

[@dreadnaught2707]

Yes, we're all watching! Mr Pete's videos are one of the highlights of the week.

[@llapmsp]

Thank you Mr. Pete, as always another great video packed full of valuable information.

[@lesthompson5907]

Yes, I'm keen to learn how to fix up my lath. to do just this job keen as mustard. son. Les England

[@williehofer1054]

hi mrpete, great videos, keep em coming, i recently got a pratt& whitney 1803 indexing head and it seems that theres not much info on them, I started to disasemble and am stuck halfway done, any info at all where there might be an illustration of the head in pieces or whatever to help in the refurbishing process, thanks

[@mrpete222]

The only possibility is vintagemachinery.org

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Another fine job. Watching every min. I made a Fusion 360 model of the plate as you went along. Thanks Lyle

[@mrpete222]

I think you already know that my Wisconsin friend Tom printed some plates for me. I think he said you helped him. That will be a later video

[@RRINTHESHOP]

@@mrpete222 Yes he sent me his videos. I sent him flexible model so you can set up just about any index disc.

[@rodneylittle2542]

Yes, I’m watching, in fact I watch them all, I also went back the beginning and tried to watch all of them too (unless I missed 1 or 2). Thank you Mr Pete

[@firearmsstudent]

19:00 Yes, someone is.

[@mrfarmall-vk4gw]

I am watching, and learning. Thank you

[@MrMichaeljab]

@9:58 Was that your idea or someone else's to put the trailer on top of a pair of auto ramp (without any cross bracing mind you), on top of some 2x4s to get the lathe loaded? I'm surprised those ramps didn't flatten out like pancakes. Ahh what we used to do to get things done.

[@mrpete222]

Necessity is the mother of invention

[@kensherwin4544]

At about 19 minutes it, you wonder aloud if anybody is actually out here watching. Of course we're here! If your shop was bigger. you could turn it into a live show, complete with audience. Then you'd know you have people watching. :)

[@MrPatdeeee]

We love it! Only our Mr Pete could do this. Bless his heart.

[@stanwooddave9758]

On those plates from California, could you give us a thickness of those factory plates, and maybe a depth of the holes, would be useful for those wanting to make some double sided dividing plates. Thanks for the video, and taking the time to shoot, edit, upload. I'm guessing the plate(s) would be 3/8" in. (0.375" in.) {9.52 mm} thick. I'd guess that the hole(s) would be 3/16" in. (0.1875" in) {4.76 mm} deep.

[@mrpete222]

I have not done any measuring yet

[@shawnkittle5406]

Hay pete i looked up ur handle in the bible, freakin awsome man!!!😂😂😂

[@mrpete222]

Hey, thanks!

[@MaturePatriot]

Oops, gotta make some coffee. This is a great series. Some times you can get a head cheap, that doesn't have the plates. This will help immensely. We love long Tubalcain Videos. The interweb sure make things easier, but if you can't do the math....you will eventually fail. Millennials would be lost without their calculators! LOL Another great video!!

[@skooterfd]

They remind me of the plates for a hamburger or sausage grinder!

[@mrpete222]

Yes

[@shawnkittle5406]

Im watchin ya pete, im watchin ya!!!😂😂😂

[@mrpete222]

😄

[@BobOBob]

It's a couple of days later, but yes I too am actually watching.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@slypig24]

Would it be possible to make a stepped bush with screw holes, for your new dividing plates?

[@mrpete222]

I suppose

[@Petrochemtester]

I'm watching! Very therapeutic...and I don't have to clean up chips!

[@badgerbob2226]

what is that foot pedle on the bottom of the of the mill? the one with the cable.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

Mr. Pete, I watch ALL of your videos as they are released - and I'm working my way through your back catalog. You are a big piece of my late life machining & shop education, and I am very grateful to you.

[@mrpete222]

Thank you very much, I’m glad you like the videos

[@wilsonhardy2100]

What other plates do you need for a full set?

[@zachaliles]

I had no idea hardinge is from Elmira NY. I live about 15 miles from there.

[@plymouth-hl20ton37]

You were talking about backlash in the indexing head being a high-quality indexing head that you have the backlash should be adjustable I know the Bridgeport rotary tables and the Ellis indexing heads have adjustability for backlash also the 4 to 1 ratio may have something to do with that as for the thumbs up always as usual 👍👍

[@bobpfeiffer8203]

Your explaining of the use of the dividing head is very useful . This is not taught much now .Thank for the lesson and will looking forwarded for more. Bob in PA.

[@jhawker2895]

With all the wrenches you own why do you use an adjustable wrench for moving your circle lock? Just curious since you have to use that wrench 6 different times on the same nut. I truly enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@danharold3087]

Watched the whole video. You did a decent job of cutting it down thanks. Keep well.

[@seekingtko3146]

Hardinge Mfg. is in my area, Never been inside and talk is slim if at all. Its said they can cut and hold in the millionths, i have my reservations about that number, good video , got a flash back of loooong time ago.

[@SteveSummers]

I'm watching 😁

[@petertaylor9408]

I was an apprentice tool and die make in1964 the tool room had two mills .All your small lathes were Hardanges the adds call them the toolmakers dream and they were.

[@christophernewton2579]

Always watch your channel learn something new keeps the mind active and healthy

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@freemanfreed1581]

I'm watching !!! somebody will watch it in 3000 gc even

[@snyper1982]

Just curious. But why didnt you use the final bolt pattern on the arbor as well? It would have save 2 useless holes.

[@ront8270]

Really enjoyed the video mr pete....and yes I watched the whole process 🤪

[@JamesDedmon]

This was interesting on the whole dividing head method, however I picked up a nugget on the arbor, I do a lot of turning of oblong stock into rounds the pin in the arbor is a useful trick and I'll will be doing that in my 1/2 bolt arbors. Thank you for the tip

[@mrpete222]

👍

[@alanmony1582]

I'm wathing, too!

[@Mtjefferson555]

Thanks for all the effort in this video! Shows how easy it would be to make a mistake.

[@bentontool]

Mr. Pete... where can I send you something I made after watching one of your videos? Alex Acle, Benton, PA.

[@mrpete222]

Watch my video entitled, tubalcain Christmas special Shop video courses. You will find my email address in that video

[@427med]

HARDEGE FIT ELLIS 3 MOUNTING HOLES 5.125 DIS

[@ronaldcompton4607]

Yes I'm with you still Mr Pete, great job.

[@thefixerofbrokenstuff]

If a body has a multi day project that relies on a dro retaining its zero, move the table back to zero and lock the table every evening. You might gain a little error stackup, but you dont have to rely on the power not going out.

[@mrpete222]

That is a good suggestion

[@madisonwise4559]

Great video, i have an off topic question. I was told you are pretty local to me , im in new lenox IL. I need to get a 2" 2 start screw 36" long . Any resource you would be able to provide i would appreciate it greatly.

[@mrpete222]

Wow, that is a pretty rare item. Cannot imagine worry I might get one. Did you check McMaster Carr? I did my student teaching at Lincoln Way, high school In 1965

[@madisonwise4559]

Yeah ? How great is that. My girlfriends son just graduated from Lincoln way. The screw is proving to be a challenge . I will need to get it machined im sure. Finding a shop that can handle it is an issue

[@jimanderson9403]

Excellent video. I didn't have to skip ahead at any time you had my full attention all along. Very nice gift from Don and Phyllis. "Always mark holes , never trust yourself" , oh my goodness , THAT is me . Got a good chuckle out of that Gem. One question though. When doing the outer holes (19, 20) , maybe my eyes were deceiving me but I thought I saw the plate dipping a little as the bit was starting to drill those series of holes. So : Q1) what was wrong with your 3 jaw chuck that prevented you from reversing the jaws ? Q2) could that little dip in the plate , when force was applied be a problem in the outcome of the finish product ? Very nice work though and I really liked that adapter you made for the hub of the plate being drilled to be fitted into the chuck.

[@mrpete222]

Nothing wrong with the three Jaw chuck. I was too lazy to reverse the jaws.

[@gilvb51]

Darn right I'm watching! I watch all your videos. In fact, I wish we were neighbors because I'd like to borrow a dividing head and a rotary table. I asked my neighbor here in Virginia but he's worthless! Keep them coming Mr. Pete, love all your vids.

[@mrpete222]

Thank you

[@inlasttonowhere4459]

The world famous Tubalcain. You are spoken of by two generations that I know and I'm the third. You are watched, loved and treasured. We're watching....

[@mrpete222]

👍

[@randomdude1786]

Great show, had to make an 11 hole disk for a 5c spin dex. used the hole circle function on my dro turned out great. looks like the ones you did also are fine.The old photos of you are priceless. wow the 90's I'm positive I'll be watching re-runs of this show 30 years from now thinking back. I loved machining back then too. thanks

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@luuk341]

Well Mr. Pete sir, the most complex piece of tooling I own is a torque wrench. I have got 0 use for a dividing head, let alone handmade plates for one. But what I HAVE got use for is just the sheer enjoyment from watching your videos. Your skill and dedication, as well as your generosity of sharing all your knowledge are greatly appreciated!

[@mrpete222]

Thanks 👍👍

[@BROCKWOOD64]

The 371 & 372 plates that came to you from a viewer: Does anyone know what dividing head they are for? I've seen them on ebay often (even bought them myself) - but have not seen or heard what they fit. Just curious. Keep up the good work Mr Pete!

[@mrpete222]

Maybe a viewer, can help you.

[@mpetersen6]

I'd be kicking myself if I'd sold the mill too.

[@ramsay19481]

I have two Kearney and Trecker diving heads.. One is a model H 40:1 the other is a model K 5:1... These ratios are at the crank... The input shaft is so arranged that both are 40:1 between the input shaft and spindle so that either can be used for spiral or helical work with the same lead attachment.... Mike in Louisiana

[@mrpete222]

Thank you, that is interesting to know

[@davidbishop5736]

I am an electrical engineer and I am watching! It is fascinating to watch something done that I CAN NOT DO while being instructed by such a knowledgeable person.

[@mrpete222]

Thank you very much

[@thomassutrina7469]

There is one other method that You Tuber {Clickspring} kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHq4cpd_g72No7M . He presents the way it was likely done likely going back to the Greeks and by all those ancient clock makers with dozens of gears. He point out that scale is everything. So for example start with half sheets of particle board which could be cut into an 4' diameter dividing plate. And make a big dividing plate as Clickspring points out using a compass to walk off the divisions starting with the help of others already made. Or with a calculator the distance between two points is diameter times the sine of the 360 divided by the number to get a good starting point for walking the points off. When correct go around an mark then punch off each point. A pin in the center, I would use a good cylinder magnet. steel straight edge, and two center transfer punch of the magnet's diameter. One would be placed in the center punched in the particle board and the other to punch a drill center in the actual metal dividing plate also centered on the magnet. The punch finds the scribed circle as it is slid along the edge He suggest bonding the particle board center to the straight edge to keep it square since it will be the thickness of the metal plate off the wood (two plates glued to the faces of the straight edge with the transfer punch vertical in holes through them . Double the work but very low equipment cost.

[@mrpete222]

Yes, I like to watch his videos. He does an exquisite job with his photography. He has multi talented, in the genius level

[@ludditeneaderthal]

An apt subtitle for this episode: "Mr Pete's inferno" due to the concentric rings of torment, lol. Is there a reason you don't use the dividing head or rotary table (previous episode) to make the mounting holes? Just easier to use the transfer screw method?

[@mrpete222]

Yes

[@curtisvonepp4335]

Lyle they make center drills with longer pilot drills or send some to your tool grinding service and it's done did in one operation . 🎄🎅Happy Holidays to you all.🐤🐤🐤

[@mrpete222]

I was unaware of that thanks

[@jerrywilson9730]

watched it all, learned much can't figure out why you could get 8 thumbs down. Merry Christmas

[@mrpete222]

From trolls. Merry Christmas to you

[@combatmedic1980]

One question I had was, when you stamped the numbers in the plate besides the holes, did you stretch the metal enough that, now the pin will no longer fit in the 1/8" hole?

[@mrpete222]

I will have to check that, that is possible

[@norbs]

We are not only watching, we are enjoying.