Don says get your own hat.

Martin

Brian is right, a Raspberry Pi is overkill, so since submitting the article to the magazine I've changed the brain to an ATSAMD device which is smaller and starts up much more quickly. Also it gave me the opportunity to modify the software quite a bit. I've also changed the worm gear to a heavier 30 tooth setup, which with a 400 step motor gives the same accuracy as before. I'm currently working on a mount to enable it to drive the tail stock directly.

Tried and tested a headstock mount for the divider. Used a 2MT collet connected to a mandrel extension. Then fixed a printed plastic bracket between overarm and stud gear to hold divider in place. Shown under test here **LINK**

I've sent a load of detailed documentation to Neil who will link it to this thread ASAP. It covers the mechanical build the electronics build and a software user guide. Hope this helps, and thanks John for your interest.

Excellent stuff … Thanks to you both

MichaelG.

My article in MEW was pitched as a taster to invite feedback from the readership. My intention was always to give much more information to anyone who showed an interest. As you can see from the linked documents it would have required a series of articles to complete.

Although the divider works as specified, it's still an ongoing project for me. I'm currently looking at a closed loop stepper motors with the possibility of improving the accuracy and reliability. I'd also like to include a clutch on the worm drive to obviate lockups. Oh! and a cast aluminium body which is currently beyond me.

A new stepper motor is on order from China and I'll use this forum topic to document any progress.

Thanks for your interest.