what is the purposes of a lathe dividing head

Usually there's a vernier scale sufficiently accurate for most work. When accuracy is needed the handle and worm are engaged. When close accuracy isn't needed, jobs can be spun rapidly by the rotary table without cranking the handle - a time saver. Possibly more robust than a dividing head for rough work. Rotary tables are more convenient for general work because most jobs are mounted at 90° or 180° relative to the milling table. And, because rotary tables do all common angles, the limitation may not matter.)ĭividing heads are likely to be more accurately made and expensive than a rotary table. Rotary tables can be fitted with indexing plates as an accessory, but usually the number of angles supported is limited compared to a dividing head. The indexing mechanism can do intermediate angles. A Dividing Head is always vertical, but can be tilted through 90°.ĭividing heads are always fitted with 'indexing plates' (holed wheels and clock hands), allowing a wide range of angles to be turned. In both cases only at 90° to the mill table. Rotary tables are mounted horizontally, and most can also be mounted vertically. I'll have a go at the differences! Feel free to put the mistakes right.

I will admit however, that I am still tempted to use the stepper driven rotary table to make a set of division plates just because I could. I have a very small rotary table and considered making up a set of division plates and indexing mechanism for it, but found it easier, quicker and cheaper just to add a stepper motor and controller Following the step-by-step (sorry) instructions on HMEM was my first introduction to Arduinos., and there is a similar project in MEW 249.

Some rotary tables can be converted to dividing heads.

Is a rotary table the same as a dividing head - can a rotary table be converted to be used as a dividing head, and if so is just a case of getting the plates.

What is the purposes of a lathe dividing head