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Add Electronic Speed Controller

C

CMMPLM

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May 2, 2005
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Lowe's had a clearance on a Delta Lathe, 46-715, 14." It uses an adjustable pulley to vary the lathe speed from 375 RPM up to 3,200 RPM (nominal RPM). The price of $549 new in the box was too good to pass up.

My problem is the speed control has only tick marks with approximate RPM's associated. I would like better control, particularly when roughing large diameter stock.

The motor is 1.5HP 220VAC / 60Hz / 1PH

Question: How can I add an electronic variable speed controller to the motor on this lathe that will allow me to dial-in the RPM?
 
Sorry, my answer is take it back and buy a lathe with EVS. If possible I think you would find the it just does not pay to put the money into the change. I hope someone else has the answer your looking for.
 
CMMPLM said:
Lowe's had a clearance on a Delta Lathe, 46-715, 14." It uses an adjustable pulley to vary the lathe speed from 375 RPM up to 3,200 RPM (nominal RPM). The price of $549 new in the box was too good to pass up.

My problem is the speed control has only tick marks with approximate RPM's associated. I would like better control, particularly when roughing large diameter stock.

The motor is 1.5HP 220VAC / 60Hz / 1PH

Question: How can I add an electronic variable speed controller to the motor on this lathe that will allow me to dial-in the RPM?
Click to expand...
This is very interesting. There has only been one version of the 46-715 that I know of and it has a 3/4 HP 120 VAC motor and the speed range is 500 to 2400 RPM. I can give you the speeds of the individual steps for my lathe because I used a stroboscope to calibrate it. If your lathe is truly what you say that it is, then my calibration numbers won't help. Are you really sure that it is a 46-715?

To answer your question, you cannot use the motor on your lathe with a variable frequency drive. That would require a three phase motor. When you figure the cost of a new motor and a VFD, you will be in the $500 range. Additionally, there are many other factor to consider other than speed. You will need to carefully design the drive ratios of your sheaves to provide adequate torque at low speed and also have an accepable high speed horsepower without overspeeding the motor.

Bill
 
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This does not sound like a 46-715. From the motor size to the rpm range it just doesn't fit the mold. I have a 46-715 Type 1 with 3/4 hp and an rpm range from 450-2600, at least that's what the manual states.

Check your manual if you already haven't.

Tony
 
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