G. Thomas Versatile Dividing Head (Hemingway Kits)

[samc88]

The plans only have the plunger sleeve as having 2 flats but I wanted to do a hex as I feel it looks better so it was time to take out the collet block. Thus worked really well and am pleased with how it worked out, Ive never used the hex block until now. The trickier feature was the slot as it called for one to be 18⁰ from the first slot. I set up the part in the V groove in the vice with a square against one of the flats. Omce the first flat was done I used my protractor to set the required angle.

[steamer]

I like it!   Coming along nicely!    I have a similar sized and featured AMES dividing head that is super handy and it doesn't weigh a ton.    Watching along!

Dave

[samc88]

A nice quick part next was the acorn nut, the shape was done just by eye with a file and then was tapped 1/4 UNF. Thats the project so far, I might do some more this afternoon

[samc88]

I like it!   Coming along nicely!    I have a similar sized and featured AMES dividing head that is super handy and it doesn't weigh a ton.    Watching along!

Dave

Thanks Dave! I am really enjoying seeing it slowly building up. Very fun project so far

[steamer]

I like it!   Coming along nicely!    I have a similar sized and featured AMES dividing head that is super handy and it doesn't weigh a ton.    Watching along!

Dave

Thanks Dave! I am really enjoying seeing it slowly building up. Very fun project so far

And useful/handy.   I can drop mine into my mill vise and I'm ready to cut a gear as soon as I have the right division plate on.    No mucking around with taking the vise off the table...

Dave

[samc88]

Apologies for lack of updates but I have been progressing along in the background. I also made up the hemingway graduating tool for doing the micrometer drum on the micro attachment. Not much left to do now other than some handles, finish the tailstock and general tidying up of parts and painting the main casting.

[Don1966]

Sam I don’t know if I posted this or not , this is a spreadsheet to calculate the VDH and Micro attachment hole positions. But he way nice work!
https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,4965.msg94796.html#msg94796

Regards Don

[samc88]

Thanks Don that looks super handy! The hemingway kit comes with a printed chart but that spreadsheet looks like it'll save working out all the uncommon ones.

Went a bit off piste with the design of the spindle lock clamp, the ball handles look nice but I went with a simple knurled knob  as there are quite a few knurled components on this and quite like how it matches. I can always do the other handles later on if I change my mind, it's only loctited in place. I made it the same diameter as the boss in the casting which looks good and is quite nice to use with the fingers, clamps the spindle easily with very little pressure.

[Bruno Mueller]

Strangely enough, your device looks exactly like mine.
 
Your knurled screw will probably not be sufficient to clamp the dividing spindle. A clamping lever may be more suitable.

[samc88]

Strangely enough, your device looks exactly like mine.
 
Your knurled screw will probably not be sufficient to clamp the dividing spindle. A clamping lever may be more suitable.

I must confess I havent tried it yet! I have a straight shank er32 collet holder which I have modified for use with the VDH I'm just waiting for a part to use it on/ excuse to use it. You may be right, when the mill is clear in between jobs with the vice removed I shall give it a go and see how it fairs