Longworth Tube Divider

thingiverse

This laser cut tool is a work in progress, but the central component is based on the principle of a Longworth chuck. When the two discs rotate, the bolts/jaws move inward and outward, self-centering. This means you can place a tube inside or outside the jaws and then rotate it or index it through any divisions of 60 (the numbered gear teeth). As a result, you can make equidistant marks around a tube, which is useful for marking positions of fins for model rockets, etc! The drawings are here in SVG format with all stroke widths set at 0.02mm for vector cutting on a laser cutter. All holes and slots are designed for M4 hardware (the Longworth chuck jaws are longer M4 with some knocked-up 3D printed spacers). I am still experimenting with the best setup for this and plan to 3D print some larger washers for under the chuck, etc. But it's fun to play with as it is!