Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | May 15, 2020 07:01pm | #1

   The motor has to be a match with a variable speed controller. The only VFDs I've seen are for three phase motors.

2. 
   user-6893957 | May 16, 2020 08:38am | #2

   Hello, If decide to buy a lathe, I have a Jet variable speed, almost new for sell.
   I live in central VA. Please let me know.

3. 
   pdavid | May 16, 2020 09:07am | #3

   The vfd drives are expensive but there is a type that is compatable with single phase electricity. The reason they use three phase motors is that they can easily run at different speeds without causing problems with the start winding kicking in. Also you can overspeed the motor and get more rpm than the nameplate, often 50 percent faster.

4. 
   mikaol | May 19, 2020 08:15pm | #4

   I have a Turncrafter from Penn State Industries in which speed is determined by belt placement on pulleys so I can't speak to electronics. However, Rockler & MLCS carry variable speed switches. You could look there, compare and see if either will work for you.
   Good luck,
   Mikaol

5. 
   john_c2 | May 20, 2020 06:21am | #5

   The inexpensive variable speed controllers are made for use with universal motors. Larger routers have them built in, to run the router slower for large diameter bits. But they won't work on induction motors, which was used on all of the Woodfast lathes that I've seen.

6. 
   GW52 | May 20, 2020 10:55am | #6

   I don't mean to hijack this thread but I too have a question about variable speed controllers. When it comes to electric motors I cant't tell one from another. I have a Delta 46-715 with Reeves pulleys, speed varies between 600- 1500 RPM by varying the diameters of the pulleys. I tried a rheostat for lighting and on the slower speeds the motor was clacking so I removed it from the circuit. Wanting to turn some 10-12 inch green bowls and if I don't get the centers perfect, turning a lathe on at 600 RPM could mean trouble. Looking at the manual with the lathe it only says motor but not which type. Any way to find out which type of motor I have so I can get the proper controller. Many thanks

7. 
   pdavid | May 23, 2020 07:58pm | #7

   Most woodworking equipment that runs on house current is not compatable with variable speed controllers. Those that are, are the ones that have brushes in them such as routers and drills. If you try to slow down a single phase motor (house electricity) it will burn up the motor or make it run excessively hot. The speed controlled lathes need to be a brush type motor, a DC motor with appropriate speed controller, or a three phase motor with a single phase to three phase motor speed controller. The three phase type motors with the single phase to three phase inverters can perform very well in a wood Lathe such as the upper end Powermatic and Jet Lathes

8. 
   rob_ss | May 24, 2020 06:08am | #8

   Even if you can find a controller that might work, it is very rarely worth the effort.
   By the time you factor in the cost of the parts, the risk of screw-ups, worn out or obsolete components and what you could get selling the old lathe, you are almost always better off buying one designed with a variable speed in mind.

   Variable speed is awesome, I am sure I would use it if I had it, but I don't. I mostly leave the lathe on it's second fastest setting of 4 (IDK how many RPM, but it works well) unless I am doing something very small or very large or out of balance.

9. 
   flyfisher111 | May 24, 2020 11:26pm | #9

   RE the Delta 46-715, search for a discussion on adapting a treadmill motor and controller. I will be getting mine set up soon. The Reeves pulleys will self destruct at some point and are no longer available from Delta, so be very prudent in keeping the shafts clean and lubed. Pulleys from Jet may work with a bit of fitting. Otherwise, we have a very nice boat anchor.

10. 
    scmd | May 25, 2020 12:21am | #10

    So it sounds like I would have to replace the motor as well as get the vfd?

11. 
    john_c2 | May 25, 2020 02:57am | #11

    To make your lathe electronic variable speed, yes.

12. 
    mariorb | May 30, 2020 11:44am | #12

    I bought a barely used Delta dl40 lathe 300 pounder at a school auction but it was missing the electronic controller. The electronics were contained in a 12 x 24 box to control the dc motor. As electronics have improved in the last 30 years I was able to go on line and buy a speed controller that comes complete in a 6x8 box and bypassed all the old electronics. It converts ac110 to variable speed dc. Two wires out of the controller and two wires to the motor. It is true most of the controllers for sale will convert ac110 to 3 phase but I was able to find 110 ac to dc power. If your motor is dc then its easy, if its ac your out of luck