Hi,
I designed a 4th axis and had a friend make it for me. I used the belt system and if you are turning anything very far out from center you will get movement....well, at least I did and still do, but to a lesser degree. I eventually had to go to a 17:1 ratio and that is all I could build for or I would have it 50:1. I make rifle stocks and take fairly heavy cuts on the roughing passes. If the bit makes any kind of a plunge on the toe of the buttstck you can see the stock twist a little, but it has not cause me any realy problem.
I use a 300 oz/in stepper and if I had a 450 oz it would probably be ok.
Mike
No greater love can a man have than this, that he give his life for a friend.