Colud someone explain how the individual degree marks ( 360 marks) are machined on a dividing head. I have a small project than requires marking the
circumference of a 7 inch dia. alum. ring. I have tried to use a small end mill,
but the marks are too wide to easily distinguich the individual marks.
What method is used on a dividing head ? Milling, lazer, ingraving, ect.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank You

Most Indexing marks are made with an "engraving tool"..a 60 degree vee shaped tool..or even a small ball mill..that is only .010 to .020 deep..


http://www.harveytool.com/products/index.php?page_function=show_family&product_family=Engraving+Cutters&category_id=1


It could be made with a laser in a production environment

a carbide tipped "V" router bit works great for little markings in aluminum.

Matt

OR.....Just buy it from SummitRacing.com Just Kidding

don't use a rotating cutter - grind a cutter in a V with appropriate clearance and rake and set it up in the mill - but don't turn the mill on, you're going to use the X axis to create cutting action like a shaper. I usually use a bit of duct tape (handi mans secret weapon) to 'lock' the spindle brake on for ops like this.

The following shot should make it clear, these are 1 degree increments on about a 2.5" Dia piece. you get nice deep lines (i usually go 5-8 thou irrc, but just start off and raise the knee until it looks right) that are thin and well defined. this piece is steel, looks sort of like AL, but it was sandblasted, I had it normalized after the welding

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b201/michael0100/universal%20swivel/graduating.jpg