Stepperhead

The stepperhead is a sophisticated multi-mode machine made by Alan Jackson. In other words, it's both a lathe and a milling machine but it can also perform some functions not available on either. The video below shows one of these operations, spiral milling.



As well as CNC control of the cross slides etc the headstock can also be raised for large turning operations and rotated with a stepper motor for dividing operations such as gear cutting.

I first saw this at the model engineering show at Ascot last autumn, it's also been featured the Model Engineers Workshop magazine June 2009 No. 151.