I am starting on my first machine, which will have a, y, and z axes. It is to be used to engrave/cut around cylinders .5 to 1" dia, and up to 8" long. Materials plastics, brass, maybe wood. Depth of cut .125" max.

I have a 4" rotary table that I am planning to put a stepper on.

I am not sure if I want to build as a lathe with controllable spindle or as a
gantry machine with the table and rotary table stationary.

My first question, is this the proper forum to post my questions? Thank you for your help.

I added a 4th axis rotary to my machine and mostly use the xza setup. Don't use Y very often. Unless doing continous engraving around a cylinder.
Check out my website to see what is capable with a 4th axis table.
www.whiterivermfg.com

Donny

Whiteriver

This is the type of machine I have but am trying to decide what software to use.

What do you use?

Thanks
Rich

I use VisualMill and am trying to learn Deskproto for the 4th axis stuff.
CNCtoolkit is a good free option for use with Gmax or 3D studio Max or Autodesk VIZ i believe.
Rumor Meshcam will support 4th axis soon. That could be a very good priced option for alot of DIyers.

Donny

try master5 it has x y z a
you can set A for linear or angular
http://www.artofcnc.ca/product.html
is limited vertion but i haven't found the limit yet.