I am new to CNC lathes (but not CNC mills).
I am wanting to build my own CNC lathe, and the main part that is not clear to me yet is where to source the spindle/headstock.
I want to be able to use 5c collets, as well as have a threaded spindle nose (2 1/4"-8tpi, 2 1/2"-8tpi?) so I can also mount a chuck adaptor plate.
Is there anything already available like this? The closest I have found is a 5c indexer with a 2 1/4"-8tpi threaded nose here http://www.wttool.com/p/1709-0005 (other places have the same basic thing for slightly cheaper). I have read where a guy here made a lathe spindle from the guts of a 5c spin indexer, but the overall length of this indexer "spindle" is pretty short-- too short? Also the lip where the 2 1/4"-8 adaptor plate seats up against is not very big (http://www.reliabletools.com/itemima...lyV06/v01o.jpg)-- is that enough for a plate to reliably seat up against? I want to use a 6" plate and chuck.
any input is appreciated.
Thanks-
Colin