Using 4th axis as a lathe chuck on a mill

[zaebis]

Ok we all know 4th use as an indexer for rotary work on the mill but has anyone tried to use it (implement it) as a lathe attachment as well? Would that not be a cool idea to convert your mill into a lathe? It would have to go 1500+ RPM to be considered suitable!

[hoss2006]

It IS cool if I say so myself.
I has to be a special 4th axis, a rotary table type won't do.
With their gear reductions, you would have to spin the handle
about 108,000 rpm to get 1500 at the chuck.
Hoss

[slashmaster]

Originally Posted by zaebis Ok we all know 4th use as an indexer for rotary work on the mill but has anyone tried to use it (implement it) as a lathe attachment as well? Would that not be a cool idea to convert your mill into a lathe? It would have to go 1500+ RPM to be considered suitable!

I know this guy
"Hoss" has done it. I believe he has a set up so he has a belt from it going to a stepper so he can use it as a 4th axis and then he can take the belt off the stepper and put it on a regular motor to use as a lathe. You'll have to look through his video's http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=...ne&view=videos