New Machine Build- Milltronics mill- converting to verticle lathe

[dmelacom]

I purchased an odd machine last month. It is a Partner 1 Milltronics cnc mill that was specially build with 2 axis. x and z - apparently it was used for scanning. It was not used very much so it's in very good condition. The second owner mounted a lathe to the bed and relocated the spindle motor to drive the spindle (horizontal). It has a centurion v control. I fired up the machine, homed it, punched in a simple routine and made a small part from 6061. The machine works surprisingly well. What I plan to do is to make a verticle lathe out of this baby. The Y is fixed from the factory so it will never go out of alignment. I want to dedicate this machine to make automotive wheel centers for 3 piece customs- 18- 20 inch dia. x 4 inch deep, at the most. Need to figure out a way to mount a chuck to the table and drive it with the spindle motor. The table can be machined as needed to accept parts. spindle- etc..My bigest concern is if the machine will be ridgid enough for the intended use. It will be cutting forged blanks of 6061 aluminum. So her is the big question. AM I OUT OF MY MIND OR SHOULD MOVE FULL STEAM AHEAD? I have plenty of machines to make parts.

[jeep534]

picture of the mill. hard to visualise. as far as being rigid enough the less rigid it is the longer the cycle times will be. so if you can live with the cycle times I say full speed ahead.
archie =) =) =)