Indexer fun

[coryatjohn]

I got back from Aspire camp full of inspiration for making stuff on my indexer. I already have used it a number of times but always felt sort of like one does the day after heavy drinking. Kind of foggy.

Today I started with some actual knowledge. I wrote a few simple tool paths to trim off a 4x4 into a round blank. The first one turns a 4x4 into an octagon and second turns it into a round blank. I'm using a 1.5" CMT surfacing bit. One bad thing is this process turns my pristine shop into a total mess. Spent 20 minutes vacuuming chips from everywhere. Always a price to pay...

4x4 into an octagon:

31494

Octagon into a round blank using a spiral tool path:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LH7EieUXkzzraVh43

[myxpykalix]

You might want to make a box in the shape of a Window planter with a open bottom similar to my illustration (couldn't save it in this eval version of dxf creator). This would allow for the chips to hit the sides of the box and filter down to a container. HOWEVER....you need to make sure you create your toolpaths and end of job to start and stop right over indexer or you will crash into side of box.

[coryatjohn]

I'll consider it! I had chips in the next room... I was cutting rather aggressively.

[coryatjohn]

Some results...

Standard fluted column. A bit ho-hum but a good practice piece. Stained for effect.

31508

And something more interesting. A tapered, fluted column.

First step: Run a planing end mill.
31509

Second step: Add the flutes.
31510

Third step: Add a ball at the bottom.
(don't have that bit yet but will soon)

[coryatjohn]

And... the third step.

31512

Started life as a chunk of 4x4, now, a bit of firewood and lots of kindling. Size: 25.5"x3.3"

Bits used:
Planer bit
3/4" Roundover (bull nose) bit
3/8" Point Cutting Roundover bit
1/2" End Mill

[Kyle Stapleton]

Nice work.