Here’s a project I just started on a whim because…, well, that’s what I do. Think of a cool project and figure out a use for it later. 
This one starts out with a small, NEMA 17 size 50:1 harmonic reducer unit, which I received yesterday. I had a couple nice NEMA 17 motors, so I was able to put one to use here. Spend $$ to justify using a $ motor. Oh well, that’s the world I live in. 
The harmonic reducer is incredibly nice. No perceivable rotary slop at all, and it backdrives very smoothly. I had some experience with this manufacturer last year when I purchased one of their harmonic driven 4/5 axis setup. It was extremely nice quality. I did ultimately return that unit though, learning that 5-axis CAM software was not yet within reach of the hobby realm. But based on how nice that unit was, I figured this little gem would be pretty decent also, and it is.
I designed & made the mount plate for it today, using a piece of 1/4” garolite I had on hand. I have a small 3 jaw chuck coming tomorrow, so I’ll have to figure out how to mount that when I have it in-hand.
Pics of what I’ve got so far.
