3 axis cnc router lathe?? Help

Hi, first post in a while since getting my desktop cnc lathe and its bigger brother operational.

I have decided to create some small wooden knife handles and am currently
currently limited to round parts. These are fun but I want something oval and 3d
carved.

I don't have a 4 axis CNC router and my mill is ages away from CNC
completion. What I do have is a small CNC lathe that I want to alter to
have a stepper controlled chuck (C Axis I believe) and a router fixed on the
X axis. From want I have seen online, a lot of 4 axis CNC Routers just
follow the centre line of a rotational part and 3D carve it (Effectively 3
Axis as the 4th doesn't get used).

Could this principle be applied to my lathe as it will effectively have 3
axis control? I can't see the difference but I am probably missing
something vital.

Thanks,
Chris

Hi Sooty
Have a look @ this http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...elipse-186593/
There are some pointers regarding code for the lathe,
Regards
Mike

Thanks for the info I will have a read.

I have an additional question, should I use a larder belt drive pulley on the chuck than the stepper. I figure if the stepper has a smaller pulley I will get better resolution? or does this not matter?

thanks!