Lettering on a circular surface...

There are several programs out there that will generate
G-code for lettering. To that end, they all are
designed to work with a normal "flat" surface. But what
about lettering on a handwheel? To get the best
lettering you would have the table movement limited to
the Y-axis and a rotary axis (rotary table whose axis of
rotation is parallel to the Y axis). Each of these
would move in tandem with one another to create a
character of uniform depth.

My thought is that ultimately this is almost identical
to an X/Y table movement. Not having played with a
rotary axis, however, I don't know if they are typically
handled differently in G-code. Logic would seem to
indicate this is the case as your positioning is limited
to 360 degrees. You are not, after all, moving 5", but
rather 45 degrees (for example).

So my question is two-fold. Can one simply take the X/Y
output from existing programs and use this with a CNC in
which the X axis has been hooked up to the rotary table
(properly calibrated, of course). I *think* this will
work, but of course the calibration would be a function
of the part radius. Alternatively, is there an
application out there that is designed to work with a
rotary axis (which would take the part radius as an
input parameter)?

I guess this really comes down to the generic "what
application generates code for the 4th axis, and what
does that code look like" question.

Sorry if this is a brain dead question... I have never
played with a rotary axis before.

Thanks,
Alan