cnc lathe ( design / parts ) no build ...yet .

Hi everyone ,

I would like to build a cnc lathe ...not because I need it , but rather for
fun and study . It will be a small machine ( max.100kg ) , capable to
machine aluminum / brass ( nonferrous metals ) . I need to know if I am
capable of doing this , perhaps , in the future , I will build a much more
serious machine ...

First , the initial sketches ... made in Rhino3D . Took me about 2 hours...







I know , is not " very " original , but It will do for now .
Initialy , I wanted to use a BT30 cartridge spindle ( Tormach ) , but it
seems that is not a good ideea ... So , I started hunting the " bay " for a
lathe spindle ... and this is what I bought :





Is an Atlas/Craftsman 10-12" spindle lathe assembly ( about 150 bucks ) .



Now ... I would like to use a 5C chuck ( 5 inch diameter ) . There is a
Bison on ebay , but is a bit expensive ( around 500US ) . The advantage is
that this particular chuck has 1 1/2 x 8 treaded back , mounts directly to
my newly bought spindle ... A cheap chinese chuck is about 200US , but
it needs a backplate adaptor ... can't find the damn thing ( the adapter ) !!!
maybe I can machine it myself ... not sure about this .

Next ... the main body of the machine . I intend to use aluminum plates and
some aluminum extrusions ... The body will be filed with some kind of mixture
( rocks , resin , concrete ) , to add weight .

Thats it for the time being ... any advice , imput , will be greatly apreciated .
Thanks .

Gabriel.