I finally had the time to make my 4th axis. It's pretty feisty. All heavy components so I can suspend a log in between....
There was no space in the cabinet for the machine for the 4th axis. So I made an external power supply, and bolted the gecko right onto the frame for cooling.
Now it's completely mobile. Power and step and direction and it runs. Thirteen steps per degree gives me plenty of accuracy.
A few days later I finished the equally feisty tail stock. MT3.... I have a 'regular' life center, a life chuck, and a life spur for it. All work great.
The little Gecko got a cover in the meantime. Just in case I mill some AL....
For wood... I would not really care if the gecko becomes a tad dusty.
The 1.5" steel rod is supported by two angled roller bearings which sit in three inch thick aluminum blocks.
If that get's bend... I don't want to be around and see why!

Yee Haa ! Looking real good there Lemo.
Anxious to see your first work of art with it.
Great job,
RC

That is a beast, great job, now you can engrave truck axles too - 

Dave

That certainly is 'Mighty Meaty Matey' - nice job.

Tweakie.

Thanks for the kind remarks. The beefy design originalted from the chuck and lazyness... The chuck has a 1Inch 8TPI chread on the back. So i went and looked if I can get a pre fab shaft. And there it was... The next thing were the bearings for it... those are not small either. And then there was that ebay offering for the aluminum for a very reaonable price. The rest is the old Lego System Machining trip and there wee go.... Spiral stuff all over the house
Rainer


Btw: Here is a sample of what I routed last night:

That is just incredible, if you ever do any video, that would be fantastic to see -

Thanks,
Dave

Would that have been the 1st April last night ?   

Tweakie.

Alright alright.... I did not mill it... It's a computer render.
But I created the scene and rendered it, so I don't feel to bad haha.
I do a lot of product depictions for a living and this fooled many people.
But in any case, this is my desired end result.
I'm saving for a 5th axis and then it's time for this puppy to be milled.
I got the tool path already.
Cheers
Lemo

Looking forward to seeing the end result Lemo. I think that the final finishing and polishing will take some hours to get anywhere near to the finish on that render.

Tweakie.

I have a little flap sander. That makes a quick job out of that. Sharp ridges would be a sanding nightmare....
L