[Bowman]

Just kicking around a few ideas in my head before I start into a cnc router project. As usual I am getting ahead of myself with thoughts of it having a 4th axis, but I want to ask around to find out if anyone had used this idea before.

I have a 40" wood lathe that would seem to be the simple low cost solution for an easy to add and remove 4th axis on a router table bed. The lathe already has a solid spindle setup with a range of chuck options and a tailstock which is always in alignment with the headstock. All I can think that would need to be done is the addition of a stepper/servo motor and drive belt setup. With this type of 4th axis I could setup the lathe for alignment once under the router and make pin stops for replacing it to the same spots when not in use. Also when not in use it can go back to its old job of being a wood lathe.

Anyway just a thought, let me know what you think or any other considerations to take into account.

Thanks,

Bowman

[ger21]

I would think a 40" lathe would be a bit heavy to put on and take off the table. Also, your router would need a lot of Z-axis travel to clear it. Other than that, I don't see a problem.

[Bowman]

I was thinking about the Z axis clearance required to fit it under the router and still have some working space to use. Perhaps the table can be designed to allow the lathe to fit within it a few inches, call it a gap bed router .. Or I can just account for it now while building the Z. With 4 axis I am not going to be flying at high speed and if I am never going to go deeper than centerline of the lathe the router will always remain closest to the Z assembly which I hope will keep things rigid enough for good accuracy. As for weight no biggie these wood lathes from harbor freight don't weigh much and the design is such that it sits nearly flush with the surface you mount it on so it really does not take up much more Z height than any other 4th axis.

Thanks,

Bowman

[ger21]

Just mount it at the end of the table, not in a gap in the middle. Allow space for it to mount below the table.

[WilliamD]

I think it's definetly workable. I would definetly find some way to recess the lathe into the table. I have a 48" lathe I'm thinking of simply adding to my CNC also, instead of buying a HF rotating table. What software do you plan to use?