Indexing

[Mitchell Cholewinski]

Hi guys I am new on this forum and wanted to say hi for my first post. I notice Steve Woerchester(spelling?) is the moderator. Same Steve from Plano Texas? The guy who turns square ?
I was wondering if any of you experienced turners could help me find some information on how to use the indexing feature on my DVR Xp Nova lathe? Doesn't seem to be much info available as how to use this indexing feature. I have one turner that is going to show me how he does this indexing. Thanks Mitch

 

[KurtB]

Mitch,
Welcome to the forums. Steve Worcester is the head moderator, and he is the same one from Plano. The other two moderators include myself and Ken Grunke. Your question about indexing should receive a number of replies, but you might also try using the search feature for previous threads on this topic.

I use the indexing feature on my lathe to lay out, and hand cut spirals on peppermills. One of these days I will build the table necessary to cut flutes on any round object.

Just ask a question here, and you will usually get a number of answers!

Kurt🙂

 

[john lucas]

Mitch You will like this Forum. It's much more active than the other one. I do lots of indexing. I use it for the obvious which is fluting and cutting shapes that resemble ornamental turning.
I also use it to cut notches to receive other types of wood and then turn this to leave contrasting pieces. This started when I was trying to learn how they make the long tapered stripes on a pool cue.
It's also very handy for laying out divisions on a piece that will later be carved, woodburned, or painted.
I think I've only just begun to figure out what can be done with indexing.

 

[john lucas]

I meant to add these. This is more traditional use of indexing. Simply indexed cuts using the router to cut flutes in a spindle turning.

 

[Mitchell Cholewinski]

John Lucas
Thanks for posting the pictures John. I wondered how you put the holes in the mirror with such precision. Also the flutes in the spindles you just recently completed. I just met someone that offered to show me how he indexes on ornaments he turns. BTW them ornaments you just posted are fabulous. Thanks, Mitch

 

[Richard Baker]

The most mundane use is simply to hold the spindle stationary while power sanding an area of end grain tear out. At least that's what I read somewhere.