Accessories: Rotary Indexers
So much more than a lathe.
The ShopBot Rotary Indexer allows you to cut full 3-dimensional objects on your ShopBot. Like a lathe, it provides a 4th rotary axis for turning a part, but in addition, provides precise “indexed” control over rotation. With an indexer, you can create:
- Lathe work
- Spindles, newel posts, table legs
- 3D sculptures
A rotary indexer can be purchased with new tools or retro-fitted to older tools.
A Rotary Axis File replaces one of the linear axes (X or Y) with degrees of rotation.
Mounting
A rotary indexer can be purchased with new tools or added on to existing tools. There are a variety of mounting options depending on the tool and the size indexer.
Software
All ShopBot tools ship with VCarve Pro which allows you to design and turn 3D objects on the rotary indexer. Depending on your needs, you may wish to purchase additional software such as Vectric’s Aspire software.
What size object can I turn?
Turning diameter indicates the maximum round blank that can be turned in a given configuration; for square blanks, this refers to the diagonal of the blank, not the side width.
Featured Rotary Indexer Videos
3″ Rotary Indexer
Specifications
Model
Max Turning Dia.
Max RPM
Holding Torque
Backlash
3″ PRS Alpha
3.6″
300
3.5 Nm
0.01″
3″ PRS Standard and Desktop models
3.6″
300
3.5 Nm
0.01″
Maximum Material Sizes
Desktop
Desktop MAX (short axis)
Desktop MAX (long axis*)
PRS standard & PRS alpha
Max Turning Diameter
3.6″
3.6″
3.6″
3.6″
Max Turning Length
19.5″
19.5″
36″
Same as x-axis of tool**
* Mounting the indexer in this way requires purchasing an adapting base
** For very long objects, torque may become a limiting factor
Pricing
Part #
Tool Usage
Price
#15145
For ShopBot Desktop, Desktop MAX and PRS Standard Machines (Buddy or Gantry)
$950.00
#004739
For ShopBot PRS Alpha Machines (Buddy or Gantry)
$2450.00
12″ Rotary Indexer
Specifications
Model
Max Turning Dia.
Max RPM
Holding Torque
Backlash
12″ (PRS Alpha only)
19.6″
250
59 Nm
0.05″
Maximum Material Sizes
Gantry Machines
(8″ or 14″ Z-axis)
Hanging Mount Only
Gantry Machines
(14” Z-axis only)
Rail Mount
Max Turning Diameter
Up to 19.6″
Up to 14″
Max Turning Length
Nominal width of machine minus 17″
Nominal length of machine minus 8″
Pricing
Part #
Tool Usage
Price
#004736
For ShopBot PRS Alpha Machines Only
$5,995.00
6″ Rotary Indexer
Specifications
Model
Max Turning Dia.
Max RPM
Holding Torque
Backlash
6″ PRS Standard
9.8″
250
15 Nm
0.25″
6″ PRS Alpha
9.8″
250
59 Nm
0.05″
Buddy with 12″ Z-Axis Maximum Material Sizes
Max Turning Diameter
9.8″
Max Turning Length
Nominal‡ length of Powerstick
Gantry Machines with 8″ Z-Axis Maximum Material Sizes
Hanging Mount
Rail Mount
Table Mount
Max Turning Diameter
9.8″
5.5″*
4″
Max Turning Length
Nominal‡ width of table minus 14″
Nominal‡ length of table minus 6″
Nominal‡ length of table minus 20″ or width of table minus 18″
Gantry Machines with 14″ Z-Axis Maximum Material Sizes
Hanging Mount
Rail Mount
Table Mount
Max Turning Diameter
9.8″
5.5″**
9.8″
Max Turning Length
Nominal‡ width of table minus 14″
Nominal‡ length of table minus 6″
Nominal‡ length of table minus 20″ or width of table minus 18″
* Up to 7.5″ if only cutting along the centerline (i.e. lathe work or wrapped toolpaths)
** Up to 9″ if only cutting along the centerline (i.e. lathe work or wrapped toolpaths)
‡ Nominal values refer to the advertised cutting area of a machine.
Pricing
Part #
Tool Usage
Price
#006575
For ShopBot PRS Standard Machines (Buddy or Gantry)
$2,995.00
#004737
For ShopBot PRS Alpha Machines (Buddy or Gantry)
$3,749.00