Alan

Do you mean the index wheels on slides?

Ian

I am sure someone could describe this better than I can, but basically once you have finished turned the OD of the dial, leave the work in the chuck. The lines can be cut with a fine pointed lathe tool (on its side) by racking the saddle or using the top slide.

Obviously you need some way of indexing the work but if you have no dividing plate (or a gear mounted on the spindle) you can achieve near perfect results by wrapping first a strip if paper round the chuck body, cutting it dead to length (one circumference) then removing the paper and marking the correct number of lines equispaced on the strip.

Replace the paper strip and stick it to the chuck, rig up a pointer and if possible lock the spindle although bearing and belt friction should hold it still enough whilst you traverse the cutter.

Using the top slide you can cut lines of different length easily.

One thing, Unplug the lathe from the mains! save mistakes.

Ian

Hi Alan,
If you plan to make a lot of dials it may be worth making this tool.

Les.