how about this?

[SK66]

Sent an inquiry about specs etc. They also have a few other models which might suit the hobby winder/small pro. This one looks a lot like R.G.'s idea

[David Schwab]

That looks nice! I wonder how much it is?



Here's what's on the page:

Item No.:BOK-01A/BTR-1
*The AC servomotor enables the spindle stop accuracy to be kept at + - 1 degree which never existed on such as simple coil winder. This machine is suitable for multiple circuit winding, such as switch mode transformer coil winding.
*Spindle rotation speed is controllable as an option, which increases the variety of specifications that can be wound in this machine.
*The BOK-01A can store 1 program with 31 steps and the data can be saved to EP-ROM.
*The LED panel is a bright, easy to read, 7-segment display.

Machine Specifications:
Model: Coil winder : BOK-01A Traverse unit: BTR-1
No. of spindles : Single spindle
Spindle rotation speed : 0 ~ 5,000 rpm
Available wire gauge : diameter 0.01 ~ 1.6 mm
Available bobbin size : Max. 140mm dia.
Spindle motor : AC servo motor
Spindle stop accuracy : + - 1 degree
Program points : 1 type, 31 points.
Power supply : AC200V ~ 230V + - 10% Single phase 50/60Hz
Machine Dimensions : 320(W) x 400(D) x 320(H)mm (Including BOK-01A, BTR-1, Base stand)
Machine weight : Approx. 15kg (Including BOK-01A, BTR-1, Base stand)
Available option : *Exclusive base stand *Foot switch for releasing spindle lock *External display unit

*Max. tension value and available spindle torque are changed depending on bobbin size and wire size.

[David King]

I like the ac drive motor idea better than stepper for drive. Steppers are generally too notchy for this. What they are calling a "Servo" motor is just a small 3 phase motor with variable frequency drive and an optical detector on the back for the counter.

I'm guessing this thing is over $3k but you could build it for under $400.
Fractional ac 3 phase motors are pretty common in the free bins and a 1/4 hp vfd is around $100 new from http://www.factorymation.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.13/.f

Starting with a smaller DC treadmill off craigslist (I counted 10 on CL for under $100 locally.) That's a decent, open frame, PM, DC motor with a pretty nice, solid state speed controller that has a safety ramp up delay. These motors are rated 1-2 HP but they are actually pretty tiny and not for continuous use at the rated hp so perfect for us. Just mount your coil disk right to the shaft. You can scrap the rest but keep the display and controls obviously. It would make you a coil wider that any Granny could understand.

[dpm]

Wow, that's cool. Did you get a reply to your inquiry?