I'd like to space out 5 and 7 markings around the circumference of a
convex cone shaped turning. I have 48 and 96 position indexing on my
lathe but come up with a fractional number when dividing it out.

Metal milling machines have the same problem, for instance cutting a 37 tooth
gear, that's why they have an indexer that can index any number from 1-300 or
so. Of course they weigh about 300 pounds and cost $2000...

If you are going to do this often, then have a machine shop make you a new index
plate for your lathe with the odd divisions not one your 96 plate such as 3, 5,
7, 9, 11 etc.




I tried wrapping both tape and paper around the turning, but being
convex and tapered, it just wouldn't lay flat. I tried auto striping
tape which will follow the curve but when I removed it to mark out the
segments, it had stretched into a very curved shape which was difficult
to measure with my straight rulers.

Any simple ideas to help out?

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Tips fer Turnin': Place a sign, easily seen as you switch on your lathe,
warning you to remove any and all rings from your fingers. Called degloving,
extended hardware can grab your ring and rip it off your finger. A pic for the
strong of stomach:
www.itim.nsw.gov.au/go/objectid/2A3AC703-1321-1C29-70B067DC88E16BFC/index.cfm

Besides, rings can easily mar the surface of a turning as you check for
finished smoothness.