Next Wave CNC has introduced a fourth-axis rotary system for its HD-series CNC machines, expanding flat machining into cylindrical work for ShopSabre and Shark series users. The system is designed to allow operators to produce complex shapes such as pens, game pieces, tool handles and kitchen accessories with greater precision, the company said.
The kit combines a plug-and-play installation approach with hardware and software requirements intended to simplify upgrades to existing workflows.
The fourth-axis system is built around a plug-and-play design that lowers the barrier for users seeking to add rotary machining capability to their machines. The kit includes a pre-drilled base plate that can be installed directly on existing Shark machine platforms without complex modification.
Core components include a high-precision four-jaw chuck and a fully adjustable tailstock fitted with a live center. An expansion driver card for the CNC Shark controller is also included, allowing users to complete hardware installation and system integration. On the software side, the system requires VCarve 9.5 or later, and the fourth-axis controller port in the CNC software must be activated to drive the supplied stepper motor kit.
The system is designed for Next Wave CNC’s HD4, HD5 and HD6 series machines. Users can adjust the gantry height to accommodate workpieces of different diameters.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compatible models | HD4, HD5, HD6 series |
| Maximum diameter, standard gantry | 3.25 inches |
| Maximum diameter, highest gantry | 5.6 inches |
| Headstock length | 9.5 inches |
| Tailstock length | Approximately 8 inches |
For workpiece length, the maximum supported length is calculated by subtracting 6.5 inches from the Y-axis travel. For longer workpieces, users may attempt diagonal mounting to extend the available machining space further.
The introduction of the fourth-axis system marks a step forward for small and midsize CNC users in customisation and precision manufacturing. By integrating a rotary axis into existing workflows, woodworking shops and small production studios can add value by moving from flat carving to three-dimensional rotary cutting. The design also gives designers more room to handle cylindrical structures that were previously difficult to produce.
