Cold start question?

[woodscavenger]

I do most of my turning at night when the kids are sleeping. I have a HF full size lathe (a Jet/Delta copy). It has been good to me but lately when I start the lathe it starts very irregularly like "WaaWaaWaaWaaWaa". It does this for a few minutes then comes up to normal operating speed and consistency.
Any of you engineer types know what is going on?

 

[Fred in NC]

If the motor is running, the Reeves drive might need cleaning.
(That is the variable speed pulley inside the head)

 

[dougle40]

It could be possible that the lubricant in the head is low or becomes thick from sitting and just takes time to warm up .

 

[Rifleman1776]

My variable speed, belt drive, Grizzly was getting noisy too. Then it started slipping and I couldn't turn at all. Replaced the belt (that's a long story in itself), now is quiet and works smoothly. Old belt was noticiably stretched and worn.

Originally posted by woodscavenger
<br />I do most of my turning at night when the kids are sleeping. I have a HF full size lathe (a Jet/Delta copy). It has been good to me but lately when I start the lathe it starts very irregularly like "WaaWaaWaaWaaWaa". It does this for a few minutes then comes up to normal operating speed and consistency.
Any of you engineer types know what is going on?

 

[Randy_]

Worn/stretched belt sounds like a good first place it investigate.

 

[jwoodwright]

Cold could also affect it. Does that drive need periodic lube like my Delta 12" DP [?]

The other is the belt, the expanding pulley sides arn't nice, it gets squeezed up and down as you change speed...[8D]

 

[fhinde]

Shane, If it does it every time even after it is warm it just may be the starting capacitor on the motor or another problem in the starting circuit.

 

[woodscavenger]

I think fhinde may have it. I have a good belt on there. I called HF and since I bought the replacement plan I will take it down there next week and swap it out. Good service so far. I actually bought a Jet Mini VS today so the HF lathe will likely stay in the box when I bring it back. They won't refund my money, only replace the old unit. Anybody near Winston Salem NC looking for a good little lathe?

 

[DCBluesman]

When you get the replacement unit, post it in the classifieds. You may be surprised!