Harmonic drive 4th axis build

I am getting in to building a fourth axis using a harmonic drive gear unit.
I will document this project in a series of youtube videos.
I kind of likes the video format, it helps me keep up the interest during long builds like this one.
Remember that I am just a hobbyist trying to make things.
Feel free to have a look

I see we have more interests in common than only harmonic drives. Nice build there. I am happy you find the harmonic gear works well for a 4th axis. I share the view of hefty price. I bought one from Korea I think. There is at least one seller selling many different sizes and versions. I ended up paying around 500 USD including (fast) shipping and VAT. I don't see that my harmonic drive will fit in the housing. Things would have been different if I had found your page while googling earlier.

Do you happen to have a video showing it in action?

Agree, I looked for it, but there was only a (too) small one with servo motor showing up while I was searching. They also tend to cost more, so yours was a real bargain. I feel I can spend 60 USD on telephone charges to find a foundry that will even accept such a job here. Not to mention their charges.

I enjoyed your video. Always nice to see some cutting, some out of the ordinary, plus some problem solving along the way. The whole idea of a 24k spindle... I can see myself doing that. And the harmonic drive performed flawlessly as far as I can tell even if it was only part of an engraving job.

The next part is made

Manufacturing of the front plate. The harmonic drive is screwed tight to this plate.

Milling and drilling of the rest of the plates. There are many many holes...

Drilling and tapping. Going ahead too fast so have to rework some parts.

Working on the chuck plate.