Versatile Dividing HeadRef: VDH
Designed by Mr. G. H. Thomas and described in the M.E. March 1979. All drawings and instructions are included in Mr. Thomas’ book, Workshop Techniques.
Commercial dividing heads often find disfavour among Model Engineers, because they do not always fulfill the varied needs of the smaller workshops.
In this design, consideration has been given not only to the wide range of possible uses of the Versatile Dividing Head but also to the simplification of construction. In this context it may be mentioned that this dividing head generates its own division plates to a very high order of accuracy.
The dimensions are such that all components are machinable on a lathe of minimum 3 ½" centre height, In use it will be mounted principally on the cross slide or vertical slide.
Simple Dividing is by means of a spring loaded plunger engaging any of the 24 holes in the face of the main wheel. Squares, hexagons, keyway cutting and tap fluting will probably be done by this method.
Conventional Dividing is by means of the usual worm and division plate, which now replaces the spring loaded plunger. Both this and the plunger are mounted on a banjo which can be swung around the main casting to the most convenient operating position. The two division plates will allow most divisions used, including angular spacing, to be obtained.
Prime numbers or indeed any possible division outside the range of the two plates are indexed by means of the “Micro-Attachment” giving capabilities down to 1/100th of a degree! Thus a second worm and wheel are attached under the division plate, allowing calculated manual rotation of the division plate, by means of the calibrated knob at the end of the worm shaft. This rotation or correction is done at each step of the dividing.
Once again, please note that the VDH kits arrive WITHOUT drawings and build notes. See our Books & Standard Items Section if you need a copy of "Workshop Techniques" by G H Thomas; 11 chapters of which include all necessary information to both build and use the remarkable VDH.
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| Versatile Dividing Head - Full Kit Ref: HK 1500 | |
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The Full Kit, contains all material necessary to complete the Versatile Dividing Head, including 2 iron castings, 2 worms, 2 worm wheels, 3 division plate blanks, 33 fasteners, 3 springs, 2 stub drills and 20 different sections of FCMS, PGMS, Brass and Silver Steel Bar.
Price: £139.95 (Including VAT at 20%)
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