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 Post subject: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 4:35 pm 
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I am new to this site and I am very new to faceting. I am trying to get started with faceting - the jump in with both feet method now that I am retired and have some time. My dad gave me an OLD (1947 - SN 3031) MDR faceting setup about 10 years ago and it has been waiting patiently for me. It is in really great shape and I want to learn on this before I may purchase a newer system. I've bought a couple of books and seem to be able to comprehend the topics and even "do a few things". I've also bought some of the basic laps, dops, wax etc. I understand MDR is no longer in business.

I intend to take advantage of the many chats and training offered through this site. I think I stumbled on a great resource at this stage in my experience. Thank you for this site!

What I really need to find is additional index gears. I only have a 64 which is good to start with but somewhat limiting. I have reached to several other organizations and people including MDR owner without much success yet.

Can anyone help?


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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Wed Feb 13, 2019 11:32 pm 
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Location: San Marcos, CA
I have an older MDR 1964 or so. I only had the 64 that came with it. I luckly found a 96 gear. I do not have an extra but you may contact Stan Mcall at the American opal society. He may know where you might locate one.
You might have to get it fabricated.
Greg

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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Thu Feb 14, 2019 7:20 pm 
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Measure your index gear width at the teeth, above the teeth, it's height and the diameter of the hole. If they are 2 1/32", 1 7/8", 21/32" and 3/8" (roughly), then an old Prismatic index gear may work for you, too. And Zane at Polymetric might have one, as his dad made Prismatics and he has spare parts for them.

I would take a picture of mine, but my phone is dead right now. But they look extremely similar to each other. As soon as my phone is charged, I'll post a picture. I found a picture of an old MDR index gear; is this what yours looks like?

Debbie K


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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Thu Feb 14, 2019 9:02 pm 
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Thank you Greg and Debbie. I have reached out to the people you have suggested. You are awesome. Thank you so very much.

jim


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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Thu Feb 14, 2019 9:02 pm 
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Thank you Greg and Debbie. I have reached out to the people you have suggested. You are awesome. Thank you so very much.

jim


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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 12:35 am 
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Here's a Prismatic index:

Debbie K


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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 1:28 pm 
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Location: Vancouver, Canada
I think I have an old 96 index for an MDR, circa 1980. I'll look for it tonight and let you know. If I find it you can have it for the cost of postage (I'm in Canada, so probably $10 depending where you are)

-Allan

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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 3:40 pm 
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I was able to get my 64 off without damaging it. I don't think it has ever been off the arm.
These are the dimensions.

OD of the teeth - 1 & 15/16
OD of the marked ring - 1 & 11/16
ID of the shaft - 5/16

If you can find it I will definitely take you up on your offer.

Thanks,

jim


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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 10:29 am 
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gembug wrote:
I think I have an old 96 index for an MDR, circa 1980. I'll look for it tonight and let you know. If I find it you can have it for the cost of postage (I'm in Canada, so probably $10 depending where you are)

-Allan



Hi Allan - any luck with your search? How do I contact you?
jim


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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 3:43 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:48 pm
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Location: Vancouver, Canada
Hi Jim - sorry I got sidetracked and forgot. I will have a look later and post a photo to make sure it will fit - I’m pretty confident it will as the basic design didn’t change much over time.

You can email me using the address on the website in my signature. Posting email addresses in forums generally results in a lot of spam

-Allan

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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Mon Feb 18, 2019 10:04 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:48 pm
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Location: Vancouver, Canada
Hi Jim - here's some pics of the MDR index. It has a centre bore of 5/16".

Image

Image

Image

Let me know what you think.

If you get past 10 posts you can PM me. :)

-Allan

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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 2:29 pm 
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If you decide you want to buy a new one and you want to get rid of your 1946 machine please let me know. I’ve been really looking for one of these early generation MDR machines for my faceting museum collection.

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 Post subject: Re: MDR Index gears
PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 10:01 pm 
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I will definitely keep your interest in mind.

Fyi - I worked for IGT as a contractor (IT) for a number of years In Reno about 15 years ago.


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