Quote Originally Posted by Ralphxyz View Post
I wonder how accurately you can position the table? Using a drill or even a geared DC motor? Do you still need the hand wheel to set the table
or just roughly move the table and set you depth of cut with the spindle?

Ralph
Some kind of clutch or disengagement would be needed to operate manually if the drive is wormed, maybe even hypoid. Long as dial or readout is present, a low speed could be parked very close to the desired setting. I've got one big ol' spoked cast iron steering wheel [likely a farm tractor], a 50's style spinner knob waiting for 'just-right' drive motor. Tony Foale used gas springs connected to machine base and knee instead of counterweight. I have lots of rotary tables, indexers, fixtures etc; heavy stuff making adjustable counterweight worthwhile. An arm, a sliding weight or some chain and can full of lead.
Since no shop I've worked EVER had a designated 'cranker-dude'. Seems odd though, since he's mentioned frequently. . .