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Computerized Index Wheel

billooms

billooms

Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
76
Likes
65
Location
Prescott, AZ
Website
www.billooms.com
I've published two videos on YouTube that show how to make a computerized index wheel. You can have any number of holes and easily create unique patterns. Although I developed this for ornamental turning work, it will definitely come in handy for people doing open segmented work (or any other aspect of turning that needs indexing). One person has already implemented this approach on an MDF Rose Engine.

The first video shows how I mounted a stepper motor to my JET mini-lathe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqoIk6IRizY

The second video shows how to use the software that I developed for Macs, PCs, or Linux computers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHpQbDNsyfU

Parts list (along with sources for parts) is on my web site at:
http://cornlathe.billooms.com/indexer.html
 
Very cool stuff!

I took the low-tech route (something more my speed) and used a flywheel ring gear to make an indexing wheel. I might have to look into this kind of a setup, though.
 
Outstanding work, Bill. This is something that perfectly fits my needs for my Native American Basket Illusion turnings. Currently, I am using DeltaCAD to lay out a full sized template, print it out on a large format printer, and then mark the divisions on the perimeter, and finally use a flexible straightedge to mark the lines. It is a very slow and tedious process. I can envision that with the stepper and using the toolrest as a straightedge that I would be able to do in minutes what now takes hours. Of course, I need to consider the time to enter the necessary parameters in the software, but that seems to be straightforward.

On the second video, at the six minute point when you go to your shop, the screen has a strong moire pattern. I am assuming that must be due to pointing the video camera at the computer monitor. Is there some way using your shop computer to capture the screen video? Everything is clearly visible and this is just a nit.
 
Man I would love to do that but having only one computer and it's in my office it wouldn't be practical.
 
billooms said:
The second video shows how to use the software that I developed for Macs, PCs, or Linux computers:
Click to expand...

This sounds amazing, clever, and useful!

Hey, have you considered writing a version for the Android tablet? The guy who made a do-it-yourself DRO for milling machines and metal lathes decided a tablet would be a lot easier than a computer to use in the shop. He calls it TouchDRO - there's a big following on Google+. People have made brackets that position the tablet near the machine and use the touch features of the tablet for all control. His tablet sofware communicates to the sensor hardware with an off-the-shelf Bluetooth module plugged into an Arduino, which interfaces with the hardware. Very cool! I built one and it was almost trivial from the user's perspective. Android tablets are so cheap now that almost everyone using this DRO just gets one and dedicates it to that one use. This method solves the sometimes cumbersome problem of positioning and using a laptop in a messy shop!

JKJ
 
Thank you for sharing this Bill! I have made it my goal for this year to make a computerized Index wheel for my shop. If I am successful with that I'll give the CORN lathe a go!

Also, I really admire the phenomenal work you do on a lathe.
 
It's good to see this old thread come back to life! As they say "what goes around comes around" (pun intended).

For those of you who want more information, look back at my presentation from the 2012 AAW Symposium. A copy of the hand-out is at:
http://www.billooms.com/Resources/AAW/OomsAAW2012.pdf
Also, see the article I wrote in the June 2011 issue of American Woodturner:
http://www.billooms.com/OrnamentalTurning_AAWJUN11_LR.pdf
(both reprinted by permission of the American Association of Woodturners)

Details of the Indexer Software and mounting a stepper motor can be found at:
http://software.billooms.com/indexer.html
http://cornlathe.billooms.com/indexer.html

This software is no longer supported by me. Apple, Oracle, Microsoft, and Phidgets make changes faster than I can keep up with them.

The source code for this software is available to anyone who wishes to make their own changes or modify it for their own purposes. You can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, version 3 of the License. It was developed using the NetBeans interactive development environment which is available for free. To download the source code, see:

https://github.com/billooms/Indexer.git (and be sure to read the README file).

There is no good reason to avoid putting a computer in your shop. Our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells old refurbished computers for around $50 (including a flat screen monitor). I recently "upgraded" my shop computer to a used (but newer) Mac Mini that I bought on eBay for around $350.

I've considered running the software from a tablet (or smart phone), however the main issue is that on most tablets there is no USB output. You need some kind of output from the tablet to drive the electronics. Yes, there is a USB charger connection, but you generally can't connect some external device (like a printer or a USB thumb drive) to that port. There are only a few newer tablets that have that capability. The Bluetooth/Arduino idea is probably beyond the average woodturner's ability to get working. Furthermore, on Apple tablets and phones you can only run software that you buy through Apple's store. You can't run software that you buy from someone else.

Anyone who is actively building some hardware can email me directly for additional thoughts and comments.

Have fun!
Bill
 
Thanks for the reply, Bill. I have a garage computer that is running on XP which is just fine foe a stand-alone shop machine which only needs to run DeltaCAD and an obsolete version of Photoshop. Microsoft hasn't supposed it nor provided security patches in several years. Would your software be compatible with an old machine like that?
 
Bill -- The compiled version on my website was compiled on a 64-bit computer with Windows7 and Java8. I don't recall if Java8 runs on Windows XP or not. I suggest you download whatever is the latest version of Java that runs on your XP computer and then give the software a try. You can see if it runs without having to connect up the external motor and hardware. If it doesn't work, you'll have to have someone re-compile the program for the older computer.
 
Thanks for the additional information, Bill. I'll need to check to see what version of Java is on my XP computer. My main computer which is primarily for graphics processing is a 64-bit Windows 7 computer over-clocked and fully pimped out. It has Java 8 update 75 which is the latest release. I'll give the software a try on both machines. This could be the excuse that I am looking for to upgrade my garage computer.
 
Successful First Step

OK, I have made a first baby step. I downloaded and installed the Indexer Wheel software on my 64-bit Windows 7 PC which has Java 8 installed. I was in too much of a hurry to view the tutorial videos, so I just started playing around with it and created and saved two new indexer templates ... 25 holes and 50 holes. My next step is to see if it will run on my old Windows XP computer ... Java version unknown at this point.

After this brief bit of hands-on, I will say that the software GUI seems reasonably intuitive ... at least from an engineer's perspective. I haven't looked yet at what it takes to set up the parameters for the motor controller. Looks like time to start perusing flea bay.
 
Computerized Indexer Build

I’ve made some progress on this project. This gave me another reason to get a midi lathe, so I took advantage of the recent Jet sale and bought a 1221vs. As previously mentioned I bought a stepper motor on Ebay. I got a couple of Molex connectors from Ebay also. The controller and MXL pulleys are from the sources Bill Ooms lists on his website. Rummaging through parts I have, I found a 5v 1a power supply and a cover. Here are some pictures of what I done so far.

stepper-mtr1137.jpg
The leads from the stepper motor were long enough that I cut them in half and soldered the pins for the Molex connector on the motor leads and then six for the controller. I used some plastic tubing that I had to protect the wire; I think it was medical oxygen tubing. The alligator clips sure helped to solder the pins on the wires. I think next time it will help if I will drink less coffee before hand. ☺

IMG_1138.jpg
Here are both plugs completed and connected to controller per instructions provided by Bill Ooms website.

IMG_40.jpg
I had a small plastic electrical box and a piece of plastic (HDPE?) to mount and protect the control module. It came with USB connector. The small MXL pulley needed to be drilled out slightly to fit the shaft. The source that had the larger pulley didn’t have 20 tooth one with a ¼†hole and I didn’t want to buy from two places and pay shipping twice. I drilled out the aluminum insert on the 130 tooth one and mounted it in a chuck to make it fit my lathe.

IMG_41.jpg
I think the new model lathe has a slightly different hand-wheel than Bill’s has, as it didn’t seem like I would be able to thread it on enough with the addition of the pulley. So I decided to position the pulley on the wheel. The MXL pulley was solid plastic and cut nicely. I must of lucked out sizing the pulley to my hand-wheel, as it was a pressed fit. I can’t move it by hand so I might just leave it without epoxying it.

IMG_47.jpg
After checking the sizes of belts available at McMaster-Carr, I decided it was a good idea to see what might work. I taped up some speaker wire the approximate size of a belt to see how it would fit. I think I'll order a belt so I'll have it on hand before I put on the mounting brackets.

The back of this lathe is different than Bill’s so I plan on mounting a bracket on the bottom similar to the top one. I also don’t have any end mills to make the slots or recesses in the mounting brackets so I sketched up the brackets and emailed them to a machinist friend of mine to make them for me.

I suppose I should download Bill’s software, hook up the motor to a computer and see how it works while I’m waiting for the brackets.

That’s all for now.
 
Jim --

You should be able to download and install the software and run it with the motor sitting on your desk. You can watch the stepper motor turning while you play with the software and get to learn it. I like your little blue box.

I've looked at the 1221 (which is a great little lathe) and you're right that the hand wheel is different. Just make sure that however you mount the large pulley that it's as perfectly centered as you can make it. Otherwise, if the pulley is slightly off-centered the belt will get tighter and looser as the spindle rotates.

Bill
 
Works like a charm

billooms said:
Jim --

...Just make sure that however you mount the large pulley that it's as perfectly centered as you can make it. Otherwise, if the pulley is slightly off-centered the belt will get tighter and looser as the spindle rotates.

Bill
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip Bill! I used the Nova soft jaws and made a recess just smaller than the 130mm pulley. I checked the pulley with a dial indicator and it was very accurate, I must have gotten lucky.

nova-chuck.jpg

I wasn't so lucky with drilling out the small one though. When I was testing it as you mentioned, I could see that it was off center so I ordered one with the belt. I got them from Designatronics.com because they had the size belt that I wanted.

My machinist friend had some steel stock that would work and made the parts per the drawing I emailed him. This is the way I made it. I had both top and bottom brackets made the same. I used a magnet to hold the bracket to locate the holes to tap. I probably should have put something in the headstock to get a reference of level, but I thought that the bed was probable fairly parallel with the spindle and it seems to be.

bracket.jpg

The support arm is made out of the same stock as the brackets and the weight is just about enough to tension the belt. I still will probably find the right size spring, but for now a couple of rubber bands do fine.

step_mtr.jpg

I was able to download the software necessary on my newer Macbook and had the motor working before I mounted it. But I couldn't find the java that would work on the older one in the shop. I was going to upgrade the OS so it could use the newer version, but couldn't remember my Apple password. So I went to the house and took the newer out to the shop and it all worked like a charm! :cool:

step_wr.jpg

Now I just got to get out there and make something. I have been busy for a week on another project.
 
Outstanding, James. Your installation looks first class.

I seem to have so many irons in the fire that I don't know which one to grab next. This project has sort of been forgotten here as I am going in several directions at once.
 
billooms said:
Bill -- The compiled version on my website was compiled on a 64-bit computer with Windows7 and Java8. I don't recall if Java8 runs on Windows XP or not. I suggest you download whatever is the latest version of Java that runs on your XP computer and then give the software a try. You can see if it runs without having to connect up the external motor and hardware. If it doesn't work, you'll have to have someone re-compile the program for the older computer.
Click to expand...

Bill, excellent this is exactly what I've been looking for. You mention that you have a complied version for windows 7 64 bit on your website. I am having a hard time finding it, can you give me a link.

Thanks much Bob
 
Bob --
I guess this thread is pretty old (started back in 2009). I no longer support the Indexer software due to all the changes that Microsoft pushes out. It's hard to keep up with all the changes. The source code is now public domain at github.com/billooms/Indexer for anyone who wants to compile the software themselves.
 
Of late I've been fooling with an Arduino micro controller to control a stepper motor. The Arduino is single circuit board about 3" x 4", 22 bucks from Amazon.

You develop a program on your PC in the office. Load the program into the Arduino to take out to the shop. I haven't hooked a keypad up to my Arduino yet, but you could do that and be able to specify indexing amounts in the shop.

Lots of basic programs can be downloaded from the Arduino site.

The Arduino is the lower left board. To its right is a high current stepper driver. Upper black box is a wall wort power supply for the stepper. Yellow USB cable is to connect to a PC. Only thing missing here is a 9V battery to power the Arduino. This is my office version for testing so not in a box for dust protection.

Arduino.JPG
 
Last edited:
billooms said:
Bob --
I guess this thread is pretty old (started back in 2009). I no longer support the Indexer software due to all the changes that Microsoft pushes out. It's hard to keep up with all the changes. The source code is now public domain at github.com/billooms/Indexer for anyone who wants to compile the software themselves.
Click to expand...

I understand.
Thanks for the quick response

Hope you can answer some questions?
I have downloaded your software source code and have it running on windows 10!

Is there any reason you know of that it would not work?
I'm not much of a programmer and not much of a electrical guy.
Don't want to buy a controller and motor and not have them work

Thanks
Bob
 
I was going to send you a private email, but then I figured anyone else who searched this thread would also be interested in the answer to your question. You'll want to get the software running before you invest in a controller and motor and such. There is a README on the GitHub site mentioned above. The software was generated with NetBeans IDE so you'll need to download that software (free) to compile the software. It requires Java (version 6 or 7). It may or may not run on Java8 (the latest version) without modification. I have the latest Java8 on my Mac computer and it runs just fine. No guarantees on Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 or Linux. To download the software from the GitHub web site, you'll want to learn the basics of the Git version control. Search on the internet for basic tutorials using the NetBeans compiler. You need to have the Phidgets drivers to be installed on your computer even though you might not have bought the Phidgets stepper driver (drivers are also free from the Phidgets web site).
So if it appears you have it running on Windows 10, that's good. If you got this far, then you are probably OK. No guarantees! The next step is to get drivers, stepper, and power supply. Worst case -- if you can't get it working, sell the parts on eBay.
 
Yes, seems to be running fine in Widows 10, I've downloaded and installed the drivers.

2.png

Obviously I don't have the interface board, and the stepper board info is not populated. Also, a good sign I get an error message that the board is not physically attached.

Untitled.png

My intent is to build a off lathe open segment fixture. The part would be turning in the vertical position.

I guess my next question is there enough holding or stopping power in this system to hold the bowl firmly in position once it has indexed to the next position?
 
Hi Bill,

Sorry to be a pest. But going thru your other pages you have changed from a Vexta PH265-04 motor to a Vexta PK266-03A, is there any big improvements?

Also, will the Vexta PK266-03A work with the Phidgets 1062 board??
 
The older PH265-04 motors are appropriate if you use a driver that switches a fixed 5 volt supply (like the Phidgets 1062) and requires a lower current (1A) giving 58 oz-in torque. The newer stepper motor drivers allow you to set a current that is compatible with your motor. The PK266-03A motor is compatible with any driver that can drive up to 2.1A of current and it has a higher torque of 166 oz-in. The PK266-03A works with the Phidgets 1067 board but not the older 1062 board. Other stepper motors could be used too -- so long as they are compatible with the driver you choose.

It's easy to get an idea of how firmly the motor will hold your work piece. Simply multiply the torque by the belt gear ratio and divide by the diameter of the work. For example, I have a 6.5:1 toothed timing belt gear ratio between my stepper motor and the lathe spindle. If I'm working on a 4" diameter bowl (radius is 2"), then the amount of force is: 166 oz-in * 6.5 / 2 in = 539 oz of force (about 33 pounds of force). Usually, the timing belt will slip long before the stepper motor will slip.
 
I'm looking to use the Phidgets 1067 board, it looks to have a little better precision and either the PK266-03A or the Phidgets 3330_0.

Right now I'm struggling with the program to compile, it runs within Netbeans ID, but will not compile.
 
This thread started back in 2011 and I don't recall what the versions were back then. The README file that I wrote on GitHub says Java6 or Java7. However, I've got Java8 on my Mac computer and it appears to run OK. It was probably written with an older version of NetBeans (7.x probably) but on my Mac it appears to run OK when compiled with NetBeans 8.0. The latest version of NetBeans is up to version 8.2 and I have not tried compiling it with that version. I no longer have any Phidgets boards to work with for testing.

All these versions change so fast that it's hard to keep up with them all. That's why I discontinued support of the Indexer software.
 
Bob, your experience is the kind of thing that drives me crazy with open source code.

With the Arduino setup I mentioned I was apprehensive. It turned out to be very straight forward with one exception. Of the three computers I tried it worked on my two laptops with no issues. For unknown reasons it doesn't want to work on my desktop.
 
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