I was just talking about the Legacy, Lathe Wizard, Router Lathe, and other similar <b>rotary milling</b> machines. The capabilities of these machines are usually limited by a design based on gears and pulleys. The ratio of the spirals is based on gear changes. To me the technology used in these machines is obsolete. Still they are usable machines that serve a purpose.
Electronics and servo <b>or</b> stepper motors (they are not the same thing) could greatly improve the range of spirals and designs that can be made with a rotary mill. At the very least, the ratio of the spirals could be made variable.
I can understand the limitations when a manufacturer is trying to sell a piece of equipment for about $400. There is no way they can sell controllable motors and electronics in that price range.
However, when you talk about a $5000 machine the situation changes a great deal. That kind of money can buy a mechanical machine <b>or</b> a woodworking CNC router. A <b>woodworking CNC rotary mill</b> is feasible for such a price. I will not be surprised if Legacy, for example, introduces such machines in the near future.
<b>Most</b> of the work we do is better done by hand in a wood lathe, especially talking about one of a kind pieces. What I can do with a chisel in my Jet Mini in 5 minutes would take a lot longer to program in CNC. Once programmed, that is exactly what a CNC machine will cut. There is no allowance for last minute changes (unless you change the program).
On the other hand, I could drill the holes with an egg beater (hand drill), and use a rasp to shape the barrel. Handmade? NO! look at the metal parts !!!!