The indexing knob is used to hold work on a lathe stationary while you cut a
flute or a reed with a router setup. There are usually 24 or more equally
spaced index settings. After one flute or reed is cut, the work on the
lathe is rotated to the next desired position. The indexing knob can also
lock the lathe spindle while you install or remove a chuck.

Barry


"Ingram" wrote in message
...
I've done some minor work on a lathe for a year now, and I'm wondering
what
this indexing knob on the headstock can be used for...supposed to be for
fluting and reeding, but it seems to only lock the lathe preventing it
from
turning.

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