I want to do a higher degree of precision machining of wood, plastic, phenolic and maybe some aluminum using my woodworking lathe. So, I'd like to have a small carriage and cross slide like a machinist lathe as to hold small tooling that's available for small benchtop metal lathes.
I'm not interested in doing any steel work. Nor do I want to purchase a small metal lathe.
I was thinking of using a small XY milling/drilling table from which I can attach a tool holder. 8" x 4" (X x Y) would provide sufficient movement.
However, the stuff on Amazon/Ebay (Amyamy) and Harbor Freight get inconsistent reviews.
I'm looking at the cast iron XY tables offered by Grizzly for around $140. I'm also looking at a very small one offered by MicroMark for $120 which is aluminum.
Does anyone have any suggestions for sources? Has anyone rigged their woodworking lathe to perform with more precision when turning, boring and facing?
thanks, Jeff