Clockman asked if I used an indexer when I drilled holes in a circular pattern. I didn't know what one was and looked it up. My Jet mini does not have one. Someone posted  a site where I can buy one as an add on. I got an idea on how to make my own. The pictures show what I came up with. I drew 24 lines on a wooden disk with all the precision these ole eyes could muster. I drilled the center same size as the chuck shaft and notched each line with my small bandsaw.  I have always had a home made storage area on the top of the lathe and used it to clamp down the pin holder.  I used a ball  point pen spring and shaft.  Metal shafts are very hard to find. I pulled the ball out of the shaft and flattened it so it would fit snuggly in the slot.  When in place it holds very well and I use the tool rest to mark the piece. Then lift it out of the slot and go to the next one. The clamps hold it firmly in place and allow quick removal.

I am anxious to start a project.

Good idea, Ron.

I tried using it on the piece in the picture. It worked OK but I will have to practice marking  with consistency. If the pencil is held at the same angle every time it should do OK. I may come  up with a marking method that leaves little room for error.

Necessity is Rube Goldberg's mother! LOL, If it works, it works! Nicely done.

 

Steve

That's Neat! I guess I'm lucky- my lathe came with the index wheel built in.

That looks great. There are many examples of people making their own for whatever lathe they have. I was the one who showed the link to the one I have and it was inexpensive and works well. What I did was use colored markers for different configurations so I do not have to count all the time and my eyes are not young any more either. I keep a chart of the color code near the lathe. Making jigs is fun some times but it does make things easier. I am thinking how I can incorporate this with drilling those holes for the bird cage. I need to be able to off set the drill chuck. Easy on a metal lathe but will take some thinking on a wood lathe. 

Thanks Clockman.  I like doing things like this.  Its fun. I am retired, I like a challenge and I have all the time I want to play with my toys.

I thought I had a picture of the setup for drilling with index wheel , but cannot find it. So here is the platform I use.

This platform can be modified using a jig similar to what is holding the router to hold a small laminate router or drill. You can use the platform in this position and use the rail on the jig to position to drill the hole in the same spot each time and just turn the lathe spindle to the next position.

I found th correct photo of drill setup with Fire and Iron index wheel. 

the second shows use of a laminate trim router to shape edges.

There you go Gerald. Thank you. I did not think of that. You solved the mystery. I too use John Lucas's router platform idea. I use a smaller scale one to make pens like this. I am now set. Thank you for showing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 hours ago, jttheclockman said:

Making jigs is fun some times but it does make things easier.

 

 

There have been many times I thought making jigs was my favorite part of wood working. Ron's jig and these other examples are a perfect example of why.

 

Steve

Edited December 16, 20169 yr by Steve Krumanaker

I  envy those set ups. I have made some jigs, worked at it for quite a while, smiled at how well it worked and would love to show my progress to someone that would appreciate it. and offer suggestions. Now that we have the internet and can do that. I have also had projects blow up on the last steps. The PWW don't see them

These can also be made with sprockets and gears....