rotary index table + mill = lathe?

[masonmachines]

would this rotary index table and a vertical mill be able to do lathe work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-8-SUPER-ROTARY-TABLE-INDEX-FOR-MILLING-DRILLING_W0QQitemZ7599768129QQcategoryZ41943QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[masonmachines]

one other question, would a vertical mill and that rotary index table be able to cut gears and splines?

[FF3PM]

The setup combination you are thinking of will not be as rigid as a lathe or horizontal mill. Depending on many variables such as material being cut, amount being cut, position of index table, or mill head position will all have a large affect on if it will work or not.

[heavytlc]

I am not much more than a chip maker with my mill, but I have made some cool stuff with my rotary table.

[jnutter]

That rotary table would work great for indexing gears and splines. It's nicer than the one I use.

You still won't be able to do lathe work with it though. You will be able to mill round objects, but that's not the same.

You'll want a real lathe to cut axle shafts down to the major diameter before splining. The shafts are hard and you will need to cut them with a carbide inserted tool holder. Your lathe will have to be heavy and rigid to make the cuts without chatter. You need to leave a nice finish for the seals.