Very nice Mactec and everyone else.

I have thought about doing this to my Series 2 CNC, which is just a 2hp varispeed head. In my research I have found that with whatever ratio you use you sacrafice something, be it speed or low end power.

I thought about getting a 5hp inverter duty motor to drive a 1:1 ratio pulley setup. The motor would have more than double the torque, so it would overcome the low end power problem. Yet, I should be able to spin my spindle to 5k or 6k.. Of course, the big problem (other than cost) would be that the motor shaft would be short if the motor is mounted on the bottom.

Would love to hear more and see more pics...