Author Topic: Digital Spindle Indexer for Cowells 90 ME lathe  (Read 1378 times)

Offline craynerd

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Digital Spindle Indexer for Cowells 90 ME lathe
« on: July 07, 2018, 11:14:52 PM »
I have just finished making a digital spindle indexer for my Cowells. I know Cowells do a rear mounted spindle indexer based on the classic dividing plates and pin method, but using a stepper motor provides any rotation 1-999, which is ideal for what I want in clock wheel cutting. Enjoy the video.

As always, constructive criticism and advice welcome!

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnqhZJnFZXc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnqhZJnFZXc</a>

Thanks

Offline Steamer5

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Re: Digital Spindle Indexer for Cowells 90 ME lathe
« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2018, 12:36:23 AM »
Hi Chris,
 Nicely done!
It was following your build from a few years back that inspired me to go down the electronic dividing head route. I had tried plates & just couldn’t get my head around it. Initially I was wanting to build Kwackers controller but having to figure out were & how to program the PIC for a one off was looking to be a no goer, so headed down the Arduino route. Collected the parts & by chance went & checked out Kwackers site & found he was doing a kit....no brainer there, ordered one on the spot! I also found a guy in Australia that was making housings & connectors that fit straight onto the back of the stepper motors, so mine is set up so the cable disconnected at both the motor & controller box, makes it easy to store.

Cheers Kerrin
Get excited and make something!

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: Digital Spindle Indexer for Cowells 90 ME lathe
« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2018, 01:15:40 AM »
Very nice Chris!! That should be a great addition for clock work. Great video too.

Bill

Offline steamer

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Re: Digital Spindle Indexer for Cowells 90 ME lathe
« Reply #3 on: July 08, 2018, 02:58:15 AM »
Very nice indeed!   Doesn't seem too bad at all!

Dave
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Damned ijjit!

Offline NickG

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Re: Digital Spindle Indexer for Cowells 90 ME lathe
« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2018, 08:16:29 PM »
Looks great that Chris. Will you lock the spindle somehow when cutting or does it hold well enough?


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Offline craynerd

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Re: Digital Spindle Indexer for Cowells 90 ME lathe
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2018, 08:32:33 PM »
Looks great that Chris. Will you lock the spindle somehow when cutting or does it hold well enough?


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Need to check this. Stepper is 3.1nm hopefully will hold enough

 

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