Quote Originally Posted by m_c View Post
For a lather spindle, a stepper really isn't good. The torque will drop of far too fast, and I'd think you'll struggle to get even those shallow depths of cuts.

For cheapness I'd suggest finding a suitable basic DC motor, and combine it with a basic speed controller. Gear it with a suitable poly belt to get spindle speed within a suitable range, and you'll have a far more capable spindle.
m_c what about a high-bred I believe they are much better at high rpm in keeping good torque? My mate has the original motor in bits he seems to think it can be salvaged, it may become a combination of DC and stepper motor like you say with a PWM. I want the flexibility of simple spindle work and carving, its all theoretical at the moment until I get it full assembled and tested - I'll let you know the results :)