Thanks mate, saved... while I do have the plates for my RT... its still 'black magic' at this point, one of the to do list items, learn how to use the plates! 
Artie,
using the plates is actually not as difficult as it seems at first and for 'direct indexing' you can do the calculation in your head, because there is none, once you know the rule. An example first, then the rule.
Say your rotary table ratio is 60:1 - many are. You turn the handle 60 times to get one table rotation
I'll pick a deliberately peculiar division, say 17. You want the table to turn 1/17 turn for one index, so the handle will move 60/17 per index.
Now, 60/17 is an inconvenient angle of degrees, but if you have a disc with 17 holes, each hole is 1/17 turn and you want 60/17 so you simply count 60 holes round the 17 hole ring. Job done
Soooo... The Rule:
for n divisions, count the number of holes equal to the table ratio round the n-hole ring, that's it.
If you haven't got a disc with n holes then look for one with 2n and count twice as many holes, so in the above example 120 holes on a 34 hole ring. Or if necessary 3n and three times as many.
You set the forks, if you have them, so that the edges indicate the 'extra' holes. Say you were going to do 120 holes on a 34 hole ring. That's 3 turns (=102holes) and 18 extra holes. Set the forks 18 holes apart, bring the trailing fork against the pin, wind round 3 turns and then up to the leading fork, drop the pin in the hole. Before the next move, slide the forks round so the trailing one is again kissing the back of the pin etc.
Hope that helps
Richard
