Vertex CS-8 Super Indexing Spacer with 24-Position Master Plate
The Vertex CS-8 Super Indexing Spacer combines rapid direct indexing, controlled worm-drive positioning and horizontal/vertical rotary-table capability in one professional machining fixture.
Its hardened and ground 24-position master plate provides fixed 15° increments, while six masking plates simplify commonly used divisions. For angles outside those direct positions, the operator can engage the 90:1 worm drive and use the graduated collar and 10-second vernier.
Made in Taiwan and supplied with a 3-jaw chuck and faceplate, the CS-8 is designed for milling, drilling, jig boring, fixture manufacturing and repetitive production work where setup time and angular consistency matter.
Three Indexing Methods in One Fixture
The CS-8 is more versatile than a conventional rotary table because the machinist can select the positioning method that best matches the job.
| Operating Method | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| 24-position direct indexing | Fast, repeatable 15° position changes |
| Masking-plate indexing | Rapid division into 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24 positions |
| 90:1 worm-drive positioning | Angles not provided by the fixed indexing positions |
This flexibility lets the operator use a rapid mechanical position when possible and reserve handwheel adjustment for angles that require indirect indexing.
Reduce Indexing Time on Repetitive Jobs
Producing several equally spaced features with a conventional rotary table may require repeated handwheel calculations and careful scale reading. That process adds non-cutting time and creates more opportunities for positioning errors.
The hardened 24-position master plate allows the CS-8 to move directly between fixed 15° locations. The included masking plates expose only the positions required for the selected division, making repetitive indexing faster and easier to verify.
This can improve productivity during operations such as:
- Drilling equally spaced flange holes
- Milling flats around a round component
- Producing repeated slots or radial features
- Indexing fixture and tooling components
- Machining multiple faces in a controlled sequence
- Completing repetitive parts without re-laying out each position
Six Masking Plates for Common Divisions
The CS-8 includes six masking plates for fast selection of the following divisions:
- 2 divisions — 180° spacing
- 3 divisions — 120° spacing
- 4 divisions — 90° spacing
- 6 divisions — 60° spacing
- 8 divisions — 45° spacing
- 12 divisions — 30° spacing
The internal 24-position master plate also permits 24 divisions at 15° intervals. The masking plates help prevent the operator from selecting unwanted positions during repetitive work.
90:1 Worm Drive for Nonstandard Angles
Not every part uses a division available from the masking plates. For other angular positions, the CS-8 incorporates a 90:1 worm-drive mechanism.
One full rotation of the operating handle moves the fixture through 4°. The handwheel collar is graduated in one-minute increments, and the adjustable vernier supports readings down to 10 seconds.
This indirect-indexing capability makes the CS-8 useful for angular features that cannot be produced through direct 15° indexing alone.
Switch Between Rapid and Worm-Drive Indexing
The worm mechanism can be disengaged for rapid direct indexing through the master plate. When finer or nonstandard angular positioning is required, it can be re-engaged for controlled handwheel movement.
This dual system avoids forcing the operator to use the slower worm drive for every position while retaining the flexibility of a traditional geared rotary table.
Published Indexing and Geometric Accuracy
The CS-8 provides documented positioning and geometric specifications that help professional shops evaluate its suitability before purchase.
| Accuracy Specification | Published Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Individual Spacing Error | 25 seconds |
| Squareness, Base to Chuck at 90° | 0.0008″ |
| Base Parallelism, Face to Face | 0.0004″ |
| Mounting-Flange Concentricity | 0.0008″ |
| Chuck Concentricity | 0.0005″ |
| Vernier Reading | 10 seconds |
Finished-part accuracy also depends on machine condition, fixture alignment, chuck condition, workpiece geometry, cutting forces and inspection method. Published fixture tolerances should not be interpreted as a guarantee of total machined-part accuracy.
Hardened and Ground 24-Position Plate
The master indexing plate is hardened and ground to support consistent engagement at each of its 24 positions. This construction is important in repetitive production, where wear or poorly defined indexing locations can introduce angular variation over time.
Each fixed position represents 15°, completing the full 360° rotation through 24 equal steps.
Included 3-Jaw Chuck
The CS-8 is supplied with a 3-jaw self-centering chuck for holding compatible round and regularly shaped components. The chuck allows the operator to mount a workpiece around the indexer axis without sourcing a separate chuck and mounting system.
The published center-hole diameter is 2-15/32″, providing clearance through the center of the chuck for compatible workpieces and setup requirements.
Always confirm the chuck gripping range, jaw configuration and required contact area for the intended component.
Faceplate Included for Flexible Workholding
A faceplate is included for components that cannot be held appropriately in the 3-jaw chuck. It provides an alternative mounting surface for compatible fixtures, clamps and irregularly shaped workpieces.
The faceplate increases the usefulness of the CS-8 for job-shop and repair work, where component geometry frequently changes from one order to the next.
Horizontal and Vertical Operation
When configured for the operation, the CS-8 can work with its axis positioned horizontally or vertically. When the chuck is removed, the unit can also function as a horizontal/vertical rotary table.
| Axis Orientation | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Horizontal axis | Milling flats, circumferential slots, radial features and multi-face components |
| Vertical axis | Bolt circles, face drilling, circular milling, jig boring and radial patterns |
Applications in Production Milling
The CS-8 is particularly valuable when a milling operation requires the same angular sequence across several parts. Direct indexing reduces the time spent reading scales and advancing the handwheel between common positions.
- Hexagonal and octagonal features
- Multiple flats around shafts and collars
- Radial slots and key locations
- Repeated drilling patterns
- Production fixture components
- Indexed face-machining operations
Drilling and Jig-Boring Applications
In drilling and jig-boring work, the fixture can position a component at repeatable angular locations while the machine controls the linear coordinates.
Potential applications include:
- Flange and coupling hole patterns
- Radial holes in hubs and collars
- Fixture-plate hole locations
- Valve and pump components
- Tooling and inspection fixtures
- Repair parts requiring recreated hole spacing
Automotive and Mechanical Repair Shops
Automotive machine shops and mechanical-repair departments can use the CS-8 for appropriately sized parts that require equally spaced or controlled angular features.
- Hubs and adapter flanges
- Pulleys and coupling components
- Drivetrain and steering adapters
- Pump and motor flanges
- Custom brackets and mounting plates
- Replacement parts no longer commercially available
Safety-critical automotive components require appropriate engineering, material verification and dimensional inspection.
Toolrooms, Mold Repair and Fixture Manufacturing
Toolrooms can use the CS-8 to manufacture or repair components that require indexed holes, flats or radial features.
- Mold and die retainers
- Fixture bodies and locating components
- Inspection tooling
- Replacement bushings and collars
- Machine-maintenance components
- Prototype tooling and setup aids
Manual Indexing Support for CNC Workshops
A CNC shop may not need to occupy a powered fourth axis for every low-volume or repair job. The CS-8 can support manual indexing, rework, prototype machining and secondary operations on compatible equipment.
This is a manually operated indexing fixture—not a programmable CNC rotary axis. It does not provide simultaneous CNC-controlled rotary interpolation.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vertex |
|---|---|
| Model | CS-8 |
| Distributor Reference | 3900-2321 |
| Country of Manufacture | Taiwan |
| Product Type | Super indexing spacer / rotary indexing fixture |
| Direct Indexing Positions | 24 |
| Direct Increment | 15° |
| Available Masked Divisions | 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 |
| Worm-Gear Ratio | 90:1 |
| Movement per Handle Rotation | 4° |
| Handwheel-Collar Graduation | 1 minute |
| Vernier Reading | 10 seconds |
| Maximum Individual Spacing Error | 25 seconds |
| Squareness, Base to Chuck | 0.0008″ |
| Base Parallelism | 0.0004″ |
| Mounting-Flange Concentricity | 0.0008″ |
| Chuck Concentricity | 0.0005″ |
| Center Hole | 2-15/32″ |
| Chuck | 3-jaw self-centering chuck included |
| Faceplate | Included |
| Masking Plates | 6 included |
| Operating Orientations | Horizontal and vertical |
| Shipping Weight | 177 lbs |
Is the CS-8 Better Than a Standard Rotary Table for Your Job?
Choose the Vertex CS-8 when your priority is:
- Rapid movement between common equal divisions
- Repetitive indexing with fewer handwheel calculations
- Documented spacing and geometric tolerances
- A chuck and faceplate supplied with the fixture
- Both direct and worm-drive indexing
- Horizontal and vertical positioning capability
- Production, toolroom or demanding repair work
A standard rotary table may be sufficient when the work consists mainly of occasional circular milling and does not require rapid repetitive indexing.
Installation and Compatibility Checklist
This is a substantial 177 lb fixture. Before ordering, verify:
- Machine-table load capacity
- Available table area and T-slot configuration
- Spindle clearance in horizontal and vertical orientations
- Required lifting and handling equipment
- Chuck gripping range for the intended workpiece
- Center-hole clearance requirements
- Machine travel throughout the complete operation
Plan a safe lifting procedure. Do not attempt to manually position the fixture without suitable equipment and personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the CS-8 and an 8″ rotary table?
The CS-8 adds a hardened 24-position direct-indexing plate, six masking plates and rapid fixed-position indexing. It also retains a 90:1 worm drive for other angles and can function as a rotary table when appropriately configured.
What divisions can be selected directly?
The included masking plates support 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 divisions. The master plate contains 24 positions at 15° increments.
Can it set angles outside the 15° positions?
Yes. Engage the 90:1 worm drive and use the graduated handwheel collar and vernier for indirect angular positioning.
Are the chuck and faceplate included?
Yes. The CS-8 is supplied with a 3-jaw chuck, faceplate and six masking plates.
Can it be used on a CNC machine?
It may be used for compatible manual indexing and secondary operations, but it is not a programmable CNC rotary axis.
Does the 25-second spacing error equal total part accuracy?
No. It is the published maximum individual indexing-spacing error. Total part accuracy also depends on setup alignment, chuck condition, machine accuracy, tool deflection and inspection method.
Reduce Setup Time Without Giving Up Angular Control
The Vertex CS-8 is built for shops that need to move quickly between common divisions while retaining the ability to set less common angles through a worm-driven mechanism.
Need to confirm machine compatibility or freight requirements? Send SHOP TOOL USA your machine model, table dimensions, T-slot specifications, workpiece size and required divisions. We can help verify the setup before you place the order.












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