Vertex BS-2 Universal Dividing Head for Gear Cutting, Differential Indexing and Spiral Milling
The Vertex BS-2 10-1/2″ Universal Dividing Head Set gives toolrooms, repair departments and production machine shops the indexing capability required for operations that go beyond ordinary hole spacing. Designed for gear cutting, differential indexing and spiral machining, this complete set allows machinists to divide a workpiece by direct, indirect or differential methods.
With a 40:1 worm gear ratio, hardened and ground worm and spindle components, three dividing plates and a 12-gear change-gear train, the BS-2 provides the versatility needed to produce gears, splines, serrations, flutes, equally spaced features and helical forms on a suitable milling machine.
Instead of sending specialized indexing work outside your shop, equip your milling department to handle more complex parts in-house.
Why Choose a Universal Dividing Head?
A basic indexer works well for a limited selection of fixed divisions. The Vertex BS-2 is intended for shops that require more flexibility. It supports easy indexing from 2 through 50 divisions and most divisions from 52 through 380, depending on the selected indexing method and plate configuration.
Its differential indexing system uses the included change gears to rotate the dividing plate by a calculated amount while the spindle is indexed. This makes it possible to generate many divisions that cannot be obtained through simple indexing with a stationary plate.
The gear train can also transmit milling-machine table movement to the dividing-head worm shaft for properly configured spiral or helical machining operations.
Built for Demanding Gear and Toolroom Work
- Direct indexing: The 24-hole direct-indexing plate provides fast positioning for 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 divisions.
- Indirect indexing: The 40:1 ratio and included dividing plates support a broad range of common divisions.
- Differential indexing: Included change gears extend the available division range for gear and spline calculations that cannot be achieved by simple indexing.
- Angular indexing: Allows the workpiece to be positioned at a calculated angle for precision milling and drilling patterns.
- Spiral machining capability: The gear train can connect machine-table feed to the worm shaft for helical or spiral work on a compatible milling machine.
- Between-centers support: The adjustable tailstock supports long shafts, gear blanks and similar components during machining.
- Hardened and ground worm and spindle: Designed to support durability, controlled movement and dependable indexing performance.
Reduce Setup Limitations and Outsourced Gear Work
Machine shops often lose time when an indexer cannot generate the required tooth count or when a long gear blank cannot be supported correctly. The BS-2 addresses these problems with multiple indexing methods, an adjustable tailstock and the change gears required for differential and spiral setups.
This makes the set a practical choice for:
- Manufacturing spur gears and other indexed gear forms.
- Producing splines, serrations and equally spaced shaft features.
- Cutting flutes on tools and cylindrical components.
- Drilling precise bolt-circle and hole patterns.
- Machining flats, hexagons, squares and polygonal profiles.
- Producing helical grooves and spiral features with a compatible machine setup.
- Repairing obsolete industrial, automotive and agricultural components.
- Prototype, mold-repair and toolroom applications requiring uncommon divisions.
Complete Differential Indexing Package
The Vertex BS-2 is supplied as a working system rather than a dividing head alone. The set includes an adjustable tailstock, three dividing plates, 12 change gears and two gear-support arms.
The included gearing can be configured for differential indexing or used to transmit milling-machine table movement to the worm shaft during spiral cutting. Correct gear selection, machine compatibility and setup calculations must be confirmed for each operation.
24-Hole Direct Indexing for Faster Repetitive Work
Not every job requires a differential setup. For frequently used divisions, the 24-hole direct-indexing plate provides a faster method of positioning the spindle.
Direct indexing supports:
- 2 divisions at 180°
- 3 divisions at 120°
- 4 divisions at 90°
- 6 divisions at 60°
- 8 divisions at 45°
- 12 divisions at 30°
- 24 divisions at 15°
This is useful for machining hexagons, squares, multiple flats, equally spaced slots and repeating hole patterns without building a more complex indexing arrangement.
Precision Characteristics
The hardened and ground worm and spindle are engineered to reduce unwanted play and provide consistent angular positioning when the unit is correctly installed and adjusted.
- Center true running: 0.0006″
- Spindle nose and internal taper true running: 0.0006″
- Dividing head and tailstock alignment: 0.0008″ in the vertical and horizontal planes
These values describe the specified condition of the dividing-head assembly. Final part accuracy will also depend on machine condition, cutter geometry, workholding rigidity, gear backlash adjustment, tailstock alignment and operator setup.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vertex |
|---|---|
| Model | BS-2 |
| SKU | 3800-5815 |
| Product Type | Universal dividing head set |
| Nominal Size | 10-1/2″ |
| Worm Gear Ratio | 40:1 |
| Indexing Methods | Direct, indirect and differential |
| Standard Indexing Range | 2–50 and most divisions from 52–380 |
| Direct Index Plate | 24 holes |
| Fast Direct Divisions | 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 |
| Spindle Taper | Brown & Sharpe No. 10 |
| Spindle Bore Diameter | 0.945″ |
| Spindle Nose | Threaded |
| Center True Running | 0.0006″ |
| Spindle Nose / Internal Taper True Running | 0.0006″ |
| Head-to-Tailstock Alignment | 0.0008″ vertical and horizontal |
| Spiral Machining Capability | Yes, with compatible milling-machine setup |
| Shipping Weight | 144 lb |
What Is Included?
- Vertex BS-2 universal dividing head
- Adjustable matching tailstock
- Three dividing plates
- 12 change gears
- Two gear-support arms
Important Compatibility Information
Before ordering, confirm the milling machine’s table size, T-slot arrangement, available travel, load capacity and clearance around the spindle. This set has a shipping weight of 144 lb and requires appropriate lifting and handling practices.
The dividing spindle uses a Brown & Sharpe No. 10 taper. Do not assume compatibility with MT4 tooling or with accessories intended for semiuniversal dividing heads. Verify chuck mounting, spindle-nose thread and accessory interfaces before purchasing additional workholding.
Spiral milling requires a suitable mechanical connection between the milling-machine table feed and the dividing head. Compatibility is machine-dependent and should be reviewed before selecting this unit specifically for helical work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Vertex BS-2 be used to cut gears?
Yes. It is designed for gear-cutting and indexed milling operations. The correct gear cutter, blank dimensions, tooth count, indexing calculation and machine setup remain application-specific.
What is the advantage of differential indexing?
Differential indexing allows the dividing plate to move through a calculated gear train while the crank is turned. This expands the available divisions beyond those obtainable with a fixed dividing plate.
Can it cut helical gears or spiral grooves?
The BS-2 provides spiral-machining capability when its worm shaft is correctly geared to the longitudinal table feed of a compatible milling machine. Additional application-specific tooling or connecting components may be required.
Does the set include a tailstock?
Yes. An adjustable tailstock is included for supporting shafts, arbors and longer workpieces between centers.
Does it include a chuck?
A chuck is not listed as part of this set. Select a compatible front-mount chuck or mounting solution only after confirming the threaded spindle-nose interface.
Is this the same as a semiuniversal dividing head?
No. The BS-2 includes change gears and supports differential indexing and spiral-machining configurations. A semiuniversal model is better suited to buyers who only require conventional indexing and do not need these advanced operations.
Add Complex Indexing Capability to Your Milling Department
When a job requires an unusual tooth count, a replacement gear or a controlled spiral, ordinary indexing equipment can become the limiting factor. The Vertex BS-2 Universal Dividing Head Set gives professional shops the flexibility to take on more specialized milling work with one complete indexing package.
Add the Vertex BS-2 to your quote today. If you need help confirming machine-table compatibility, chuck mounting or whether universal indexing is required for your application, send us your machine model, workpiece dimensions and intended operation before ordering.
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