GH1440 Lathe Bed Conversion

[Valfar]

Morning!

The only major compromises I'm making is the compact size of the machinery, and the lathe + 4th axis mill combo. Have already gotten the bed + headsock + tailstock. From here, will definitely won't go cheap. It will be used mainly for hobby, not production, but you never know. I need to bring to life a few design ideas I have.

M_c is right, the lathe's spindle won't be used as a milling spindle. The lathe's spindle will be used as a 4th axis when in milling mode. Another spindle (perhaps an ordinary 3kW water cooled spindle off ebay or a better one - no idea yet) will do the XYZ operations, similar to what a conventional milling machine does. But it will all be much clearer when I'll have a 3D model ready to show you.

I'm not yet familiar with Mach3 and with the low level programming. At work I'm using an industrial 3 axis router, and software like Vectric / ArtCAM (you get the idea). Will definitely look into the 'Swapaxis' function, thank you for bringing it into discussion.

I was aware of the brake system design for a 4th axis. But my thoughts were to use the 4th axis simultaneously. The brake could be added as an option though, when only one face would need machining. But it adds to the complexity, and I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible. Wouldn't a geared 12Nm Nema34 do the job without a break? I don't need high speed & feeds. I will consider a brake if it doesn't.

Also, good point m_c about the low speed motor driven by the other one at extremely high RPM. Haven't thought about it. That means the lathe motor (the 2.2kW low RPM komatias has been suggested) can be permanently attached to the spindle, and a servo (hybrid) stepper would need somehow to be detached when in lathe mode.

I see this guy nailed it. He made a lathe and a 4th axis mill run simultaneously. I'm sure you are well aware about his project.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2-Kdud7eiA

And with a single motor attached to the spindle. What's the catch?

Plenty of homework for the week-end.
Thank you for your time. You guys are great!