Hi, I'm new to CNC. I purchased a mini lathe and have really got on with it and am thinking of supplementing it with a mini milling machine. I'm also thinking about a CNC conversion so that I can make complex cuts without a rotary table and such specialist gear.

Just looking at the CNC conversion plans listed on eBay, they state once converted, if twin shaft stepper motors are used, then some degree of limited manual use will be possible. Any idea why only some manual use would be possible? What's to stop me putting some dials on the other motor shaft and using it manually?