Quote Originally Posted by djbsystems View Post
Due to the noise it makes I would like to remove all the different gears and be able to index the spindle, have better speed control and still be able to cut threads so was thinking about either changing the motor to a servo motor or a closed loop stepper motor. Is this even possible?

Any help or advice would be great.

Cheers DJ
Yes, it's possible, but the control software you use will play a big part in this because you need to read the encoder and feedback to the controller so it can sync the spindle to the axis.
You actually don't need a servo motor or stepper Motor just to keep the threading ability and your existing motor would work provided the speed can be controlled, but you do need an encoder on the spindle and the controller must be able to read the encoder and control the spindle speed.
Indexing is slightly more difficult and a servo motor is best for this, but in practice, unless you have a brake on the spindle they don't work very well unless it's a really powerful servo motor.

LinuxCNC is probably your best option for control software if you are wanting to use encoders and indexing etc. Forget Mach3 it's limited when it comes to encoders and threading etc.

Best advice, as always is to do lots of research and the Linux forum is a good place to start for lathes, loaded with Geeks but lots of info and people who have done it already.