Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Jul 04, 2009 03:51pm | #1

   The standard these days is to install a VFD with a three phase motor. I helped in the testing of larger lathes for FWW a few years ago and the single lathe that still used a DC drive was clearly inferior in power and control.

   I don't know that this is always the case, the DC machine may have been poorly engineered, but the fact that all of the better lathes now use three phase motors suggests that this is the better way to go.

   Also, constant torque isn't important, constant speed, despite the highly varying load as you are cutting, is what you are looking for.

   A final point: variable speed is only a real advantage if you are bowl turning larger bowls, for spindle turning, step pulleys, with a link belt for ease of speed changing, are perfectly adequate.

   John White
   Shop Manager for FWW magazine, 1998-2007

1. 
   kaustin | Jul 04, 2009 06:36pm | #2

   Thank you. My son and I thought to try bowl turning and this seemed a modest expense to see how much we get into it. We are very experienced long term wood workers but some how have never had a decent lathe in an otherwise very well equipped shop.

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 07, 2009 05:03am | #7

   kaustin,

   Penn State Industries sells a 1 HP motor with a variable speed controller for around $100.  I bought one of these kits several years ago and it works really well for me.  Not sure if the price is still the same but should be close to $100.

   There is one caveat though, this kit is sold as an upgrade to Delta and Jet lathes and may require some fabrication for mounting on other lathes.  My lathe is an old Dunlap so I had a mount fabricated for it.

   Might want to check that option out as you have a Delta.  Google Penn State Industries in you're so inclined.

   Regards,

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   kaustin | Jul 07, 2009 02:59pm | #8

   Thank you! I will check this one out. I can fabricate a mounting if needed. It sounds just fine.

1. 
   kaustin | Jul 07, 2009 03:22pm | #9

   They show it as 1/2 HP. I have left them an email to see if they have a more powerful offering. The old (made from about 1957 to 1978) Delta Rockwell I have is a very heavy machine with a massive cast iron bed. It weighs over 400lbs I believe. With a bench and motor it took four men to move it even a few feet and we could not have done with one less!

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 08, 2009 04:52am | #10

   Yes, you're right about the horsepower, sorry my mistake. 

   My lathe is 39"  and not all that heavy;actually could use more weight.  Don't plan on making large heavy bowls so I was thinking the 1/2 hp motor will be enough giddyup.

   It also has 4 step pulleys on both the lathe and the motor and with the variable speed it has a wide range of speed to choose from.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

3. 
   kaustin | Jul 08, 2009 08:29pm | #11

   I am looking into it still. My son and I both would like to be able to make bowls. We will start small and do not want to spend a lot of money until we know more. Thank you for your interest and help.

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Jul 04, 2009 08:01pm | #3

   If you are looking to get a motor on the cheap, I've been told that treadmill motors are good. They are DC and have variable speed. You can probably get one for free, or close to it.

   Chris @ www.flairwoodworks.com
   and www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com)

    - Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   kaustin | Jul 04, 2009 08:39pm | #4

   Thanks. I have heard of that too. Oddly, I had several old treadmills that were finally thrown out after we had stored them for a friend in the exercise equipment business. I could not think what we would do with them at the time. They are of very variable quality and it is hard to know what you have unless it is off a quality professional machine. I now have someone who works on motors looking for a used 3 phase and getting me a price on a controller. The lathe came with a nice 1 1/2 HP Baldor and I should get something for that.

2. 
   mike4244 | Jul 06, 2009 12:48am | #5

   Chris, I wonder how much horsepower a treadmill motor has? The only one I ever actually looked at was measured in watts.This suggests low hp to me. I would think that 1/2 hp would be adequate for spindle turning and smaller bowls. 1/3 hp and less I would wary of for a lathe.I do not profess to be knowledgeable about motors.

   mike

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jul 06, 2009 06:22am | #6

   746 watts = 1 HP.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodworks.com and http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com)

    - Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer