Indexing plate for Unimat SL lathe handles 40, 50, and 60 divisions

[Paul Jones]

Indexing plate for Unimat SL lathe can index 40, 50, and 60 divisions. Design is custom made for this lathe and another set also attaches to the milling head (see my other post "Modifications and Improvements to a Unimat SL 1000 Lathe" at Homemade Lathe Modifications) . The retractable detent can be locked in the up or down position.

The indexing plate was purchased from Nick Carter and is the Carter Index Plate Kit used for the Taig Microlathe II and I adapted it to the Unimat. I made two adapters from 12L14 steel for attaching the index plate. These are for the lathe headstock and the vertical milling head.

The version for the milling head was improved by eliminating a spindle locking set screw and using the existing pulley lock nut to secure the adapter to the spindle. In addition the headstock and milling head pulley hubs were machined to size before fitting the adapters to ensure concentric alignment with each spindle. The indexing plate is approximately 4.1" in diameter and 0.125" thick. The index detent pin extension arms each have a locking 8-32 set screw with a brass insert which prevents damage to the 1/4-20 detent treads (Winco part 3TLR1 1/4-20 steel lock-out plunger).

More photos and information about the Unimat modifications can be seen at http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/m...00-lathe-10111 .