Delta 46-460 Vibration

[Jon Minerich]

Hi Everyone,

I am a newbie and today I got my new Delta 46-460 delivered.

I got it set up and carefully ran it through all its speed ranges. I seem to have a vibration on the same speed settings (6-8) on all of the 3 pulley arrangements. Is this normal? The lathe is smooth as silk on the lower speed settings, so I am somewhat disappointed. Am I being too picky?

 

[mr bill]

Jon, Loosen the belt as much as possible, and run it through the speed range. This will determine if the vibration is in the motor. If no vibration, tighten belt, leave the pulley cover open, and watch the belts when you go through the speed range. Does the belt slap? Next, check that the pulley set screws are tight on both the motor shaft and spindle shaft. The last suggestion is to tighten the motor mount bracket pivot bolt. If all these check out....and it still continues.....Put a large piece of wood on the lathe and start turning, and enjoy the heck out of you new lathe.

Hope this helps...

Mr. Bill

 

[john lucas]

Also try it with and without the faceplate. It should run perfectly smooth at all speeds without the faceplate. You didn't mention how or where you have it mounted. If it's not sitting perfectly flat it could vibrate at some speed. It should not rock at all when turned off and trying to rock it. If it does shim the high leg. Once you have it sitting flat without rocking try the speeds again.

 

[Jon Minerich]

Thanks guys! Tomorrow afternoon I will be able to go out and try your ideas.
I will let you know what happens.
Jon

 

[Jon Minerich]

Well, I took your advice to see if I could minimize the vibrations from my lathe. Here is what happened.

1. I took off the face plate and that helped a bit.
2. I checked my bench to see if it was level-it was.
3. The biggest change came when I loosed the belt release mechanism. Most of the vibration disappeared!

So now I have 2 questions. If I adjust the belt tension to "loosen it up" how will I know if I have loosened it too much? Belt slippage when I turn something? Can I damage the belt if it slips?

I think we are closing in on a solution to my problem! With a little bit more of your help, I think we can fix this!

Thanks again for all your help!.

 

[Rick H]

Vibration

2. I checked my bench to see if it was level-it was.
If you are mounting it on your bench that may be the problem. Like on a scrollsaw any vibration can be increased on an unstable mount. Set the lathe on a concrete floor and run it, if it runs better there your bench is the problem. The stands that you buy to mount most tools on are built to keep that vibration from happening, because they sit solidly on the floor.

 

[Patrick Miller]

bumpy belt

Well, I took your advice to see if I could minimize the vibrations from my lathe. Here is what happened.

1. I took off the face plate and that helped a bit.
2. I checked my bench to see if it was level-it was.
3. The biggest change came when I loosed the belt release mechanism. Most of the vibration disappeared!

So now I have 2 questions. If I adjust the belt tension to "loosen it up" how will I know if I have loosened it too much? Belt slippage when I turn something? Can I damage the belt if it slips?

I think we are closing in on a solution to my problem! With a little bit more of your help, I think we can fix this!

Thanks again for all your help!.

Just a thought- you might want to confirm that the belt is OK- not often but, I have seen a few new ones with nubs, bumps and other manufacturing defects that contact the service each time around which can cause some vibration.

 

[Jon Minerich]

Delta 46-460 vibrations

Hi Guys,

I want to thank everyone for their guidance with my vibration problems. Here is a quick update on solutions to troubles:

1. I re-built an old bench, made sure it was rock solid, square and level.
2. I checked the belt for abnormalities (none) and adjusted the belt tension.
3. I put a thin rubber pad under the lathe base, rather than bolting it down to the bench.

Voila, it now runs smooth as silk on all pulley settings and speeds! http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/images/smilies/smile.gif So I believe my vibrations were caused by some combination of unstable bench and belt tension.

As luck would have it, I took my first woodturning course last weekend and the instructor (who had several lathes) taught me on a Delta 46-460. My lathe is as smooth as his. So now I am a very happy newbie woodturner!

Thanks again for you help!

 

[Michael DeWald]

Glad to hear your problem is solved. Another thing that may have contributed: A belt held under tension without being moved for a long period of time, may, especially when new, "take a set" and keep some of the tight curvature from being pulled around the pulley. It doesn't straighten completely and causes tension variations and vibrations until it warms up from being run and relaxes.

 

[Jon Minerich]

Michael,

Good point! I guess I will just spend more time on the lathe to prevent the "set" from happening! :cool2:

 

[MichaelMouse]

Michael,

Good point! I guess I will just spend more time on the lathe to prevent the "set" from happening! :cool2:

Not a big problem with flat belts, With the old automotive V types and their interior nylon reinforcement, coupled with the hanging motor tensioning common on older equipment, used to be. If it bothers you, you're probably putting too much tension on the belt. I suppose max life favors taking the tension off altogether when the lathe is idle.