Variable speed lathe.

tyb525 · September 20, 2008, 04:38:11 PM

I want to make my lathe variable speed - Right now it just has pulleys for 4 speeds.
Could I get a variable motor speed controller, and replace the on/off switch what that? The motor is about 1 hp on 220. Do you have to have a special motor for variable speed?

SwampDonkey · September 20, 2008, 04:56:44 PM

A pulley in which the throat opens and closes on the drive motor with a lever is how it is usually done on a lathe.

This link should take you to a post of my lathe setup. Fla._Deadheader was getting a lathe rigged up.

Reina's New Toy

thedeeredude · September 20, 2008, 05:51:45 PM

AC drives can be added to a 3phase 220 motor.

http://www.factorymation.com/s.nl/it.A/id.193/.f?category=30

tyb525 · September 20, 2008, 10:01:38 PM

Thanks for the reply guys, I think I'm gonna go with the adjustable pulley method. But I can't seem to find any online suppliers of them. Does anyone know of a good place to buy adjustable pulleys online?

low_48 · September 20, 2008, 11:26:28 PM

I had a Delta with adjustable pulley. Hated it. It was noisy and didn't have a great range of speed. You can see the arrangement on this link.

http://www.mikestools.com/download/Delta-Parts-Lists/46-541-Variable-Speed-12-Inch-Wood-Lathes-WL3C.pdf

You can probably pick up one of these for what the parts will cost.

tyb525 · September 20, 2008, 11:41:33 PM

Yes, I realize it won't be as quiet or have as wide range of speed as a motor speed controller. But I think my motor is capacitor start, and it's not 3 phase 220, just regular 220, so I don't think I can use one. And the ones I've seen are in the hundreds range - more than half what I got the lathe for.

SwampDonkey · September 21, 2008, 05:42:30 AM

I've never complained about using the pulley. Have turned pedestals and table legs and bed spools just fine. Only thing I wish for is a reversible lathe for when sanding the open grained or softer woods. :D But, for the few times i use it out of a year I can't complain. I am only in the shop during winter months. Nice and cozy with a little wood fire going in the stove. I'm starting to get the urge to design the next project.

tyb525 · September 21, 2008, 01:34:27 PM

Yes, reverse would be nice. I suppose if there was any noise/vibration from an audjustable pulley it might be cause the belt is too tight, or the wrong size/type of belt?

HOOF-ER · September 23, 2008, 07:58:20 PM

Anyone give thought to using DC motor. I was thinking about a golf cart motor,or something similar. Should be easy to get varible speed with lots of power. What do you guys think?

low_48 · September 23, 2008, 08:21:29 PM

A treadmill provides the perfect DC motor and controller.

tyb525 · September 23, 2008, 09:41:53 PM

That sounds like it could work, just gotta get the DC supply. I don't know how many rpm's golf cart motors turn, or if they are any different from general purpose motors?

HOOF-ER · September 23, 2008, 09:49:05 PM

I was wondering if the charger/transformer could run the golf cart motor on its own. The treadmill idea is good too. I was thinking that they were only about a 1hp?
Are there bigger one out there?
I mostly was wanting something to turn bowls, bigger is better. ;D A very heavy spindle on a very heavy table should do the trick.

tyb525 · September 23, 2008, 09:55:53 PM

My lathe has the power, just not that big of a swing. Max diameter is about 9" :(. I could turn outboard, if I had a backwards-threaded faceplate. I would think 1 hp would be good enough, unless they were really big bowls and you were taking heavy cuts.

I don't know if the charger would put out enough juice to run the motor. Picture trying to constantly turn over a car on a battery charger, only on a smaller scale. (I think that's the right example). You might be able to find a bigger version of the AC to DC adapters like you plug into a wall for electronics and such.