anyone convert a drill press to a lathe?

[sandman2234]

Most milling machines can get down to 80 rpms without problem, but lower might require a VFD to do that, but a VFD would be a way to power the machine from single phase power to start with.
David from jax

 

[GLyford]

Rotary table would be preferable to chucking a faceplate with stone on it, and let you use a round nose cutter in the milling spindle to get the ripples started, yes? I suspect that mill+rotary table could also open up a bunch of other possibilities as well...

How about this for an idea: Start with just the rotary table, and rig up the table drive to run off of an electric drill (battery or corded) or motor and pulley.

 

[Paddy]

I did use a rotary table using my radial arm saw using a drill chuck on the opposite end of the blade shaft. I do use round nose router bits. Each cut requires the depth and angle of the radial arm saw gets adjusted. Good for rough cutting but many set ups.

The advantage of free hand on a slow lathe, it allows for fine work and even sanding.