Rotary Axis for 4 x 8 Vortech Router

[ynnek]

I have been researching buying or building a rotary axis add-on to my 4x8 router at work. I have decided to build. I will be using the axis to machine variable pitched feed screws for packaging equipment. As of now I only use 1/2 of my router. I had in mid when we purchased it to add a rotary axis to be permanately to 1 end of the table. For the most part, I have a work table mouted the mt router that is 40" x 40" with a grid of 3/8-16 holes drilled & tapped with 3" spacing. The rotary axis will be set on the other end.

The spindle of the axis, I will be using a Dunham 5C lathe headstock with a hardinge taper. It will be mounted to a piece of 15 series 8020 extrusion 3" x 6" x 55 inches long. I also plan on using it as a cnc lathe, With that said, the motor should be upgraded to a servo, I would think, if I want to do any threading. I will be ordering parts this week, Here are some basic renders of my design. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[osphoto]

If you haven't seen these video's check them out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=295Phu8GnjE]4th Axis production model. Makes same test part twice as fast! - YouTube

search you tube "the cube 4th axis"

Look them over. He's done all the work and these 4th axis are awesome! I have one and glad I've made the purchase.

[ynnek]

I wi;; check these out. How much did you pay for this set up?

[osphoto]

Cost will vary based on servo motor/driver you choose, I paid well over 1k for my setup. It may sound pricey but when I looked into doing what you are talking, the cost was well worth the purchase versus me making. Plus he's a done some other things to the 4th axis that helped sell the axis.

I've just started using my axis and it's just opened my eyes to serious possibilities in my work products. I'm running mine with a 4" chuck looking to bump it to a 5" chuck. My issue is my gantry systems is limited to height.

This 4th axis he made is SOLID. I'm of the opinion of its "industrial!". I've meet the guy and he doesn't make cheap stuff or use cheap stuff. If you can spend the $$ it's well worth it. Send him an email, etc, he'll do you good.

[ynnek]

Question: Does the reduction between the motor pulley & the axis pulley need to be divisible by 1.8? If not, is more better? I was thinking of building a reduction box with a series of timing bels & pulleys. What I have drawn come out to 1:216