Indexer with lathe head....why?

[myxpykalix]

In searching for examples for the table i'm making for my PRTalpha (its going to be 5'x8') I am making one like Scott Cox's with the indexer. But in searching for examples I saw one table that looked like it had a jet lathe head setup between the indexer and the stock and i'm not sure i recall reading why the builder did that?
If you read this (builder) can you tell me why you did that? You dont use the lathe head to turn your stock round first? Do you use it just for sanding? Since my table will be done tuesday and my bot ready to pick up it got me to thinking whether i need to modify it before i bring it home?

[mikek]

Jack, here is a link for some previous discussion. Wayne Locke has a real neat custom made table with indexer.

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/312/10027.html?1131840726

[gerald_d]

More examples on another forum:

http://www.mechmate.com/Forum/messages/8/60.html

[waynelocke]

Jack,

I didn't use a Jet. I used a Harbor Freight lathe. I just use the lathe for sanding. If you use a lathe be sure you make it so that the lathe cannot be turned on with the stepper attached.

[myxpykalix]

Hi Wayne,

I think i recall reading somewhere now how you put in this "failsafe" switch which wouldn't allow you to turn the lathe on with the stepper attached. I will search again to see if i can find what that switch was unless you want to elaborate here. Here is another idea for you indexer users who want to sand parts. Why not take a drill with a "sanding flapper" and attach it to the carriage and let it ride up and down the length of the form to be sanded similar to the example here: http://www.turningaround.org/FlapSander.htm
This was made for a legacy ornamental mill (yes I have one of them too!) but i could see how it could be adapted for the shopbot with a minimum of work and no fear of harming your stepper motors. Is this viable or am i just "spitting in the wind"?