I am researching adding a new speed controller to a lathe. What experiences do people have with this task. I have seen some posts about specific lathes, but if I needed to either add both motor and controller to make it happen, I might be willing to do that. My lathe currently has a 1.25 HP 30 volt DC motor w/ VS controller, but it is an old system. I was wondering if I could get more low end torque and lower speeds if I went to a VFD motor/controller. Any thoughts? I do have machining capabilities, so I am not limited to a bolt in system.
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Replacing a motor and speed controller
- Thread starter Ron Kaplan
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john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
That is definitely the way to go. I have a couple of places on my home computer that I kept where they can be purchased. The one I used was www.dealerselectric.com. I'll post the other one later tonight.
John Jordan
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Check with Bill at stubbylatheusa.com. The one he is using would be a good retrofit, and he buys and equips them here in the US.
John
John
Replacing Motor and Speed Controller
If I'm not mistaken, you have a Delta DL-40 lathe that you recently purchased. If you want to get a higher torque/lower speed range on this lathe, check out the jackshaft accessory that adds a 2nd pulley. It's a simple bolt on accessory and there is one available on eBay now for $54 plus $21 shipping, it's item no. 360250201451. This is a Delta factory accessory and, no, it's not my auction. I have the same lathe and added this accessory to get the second speed range.
I also have the same motor and added the Baldor, model no. BC140, controller that has worked very well. If you have any questions or need the owners manual or parts diagram, email me at tcarter771@bellsouth.net.
Tim Carter
If I'm not mistaken, you have a Delta DL-40 lathe that you recently purchased. If you want to get a higher torque/lower speed range on this lathe, check out the jackshaft accessory that adds a 2nd pulley. It's a simple bolt on accessory and there is one available on eBay now for $54 plus $21 shipping, it's item no. 360250201451. This is a Delta factory accessory and, no, it's not my auction. I have the same lathe and added this accessory to get the second speed range.
I also have the same motor and added the Baldor, model no. BC140, controller that has worked very well. If you have any questions or need the owners manual or parts diagram, email me at tcarter771@bellsouth.net.
Tim Carter
jackshaft
Grizzly has bench mandrels in 1/2" and 5/8" shafts, with bronze or ball bearings, max. ~$37 on page 245 of their 2010 paper catalog. Pillow blocks can be relocated along the shaft. Includes one small pulley, but other sizes separately available. I think it has opposite-hand end threads for use in a grinding/polishing application, but not limited to that.
Grizzly has bench mandrels in 1/2" and 5/8" shafts, with bronze or ball bearings, max. ~$37 on page 245 of their 2010 paper catalog. Pillow blocks can be relocated along the shaft. Includes one small pulley, but other sizes separately available. I think it has opposite-hand end threads for use in a grinding/polishing application, but not limited to that.
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How would you put a pulley that requires a key & key way on this shaft?
I wasn't aware of the key and keyway requirement.
Most keys are locked by a setscrew in the pulley. A slightly longer setscrew could span the keyway gap to engage the shaft, which doesn't have a keyway. That mandrel also has collars, with setcrews, to assist locating the pulley and pillow blocks along the shaft.
OTOH, retrofit with standard accessories can be less tedious than custom engineering.