What is the "official" terminology for a lathe for which the speed is controlled by a dial or other mechanism so that no belt changing is required? Is that a "multi" or a "variable" speed lathe? Also, is there a good selection of pen-sized lathes that have this feature?
Automatic speed control in a lathe
- Thread starter putnamm
- Start date
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
KenV
Member
Vendors and manufactures use the term "variable speed"
Most modern variable speed lathes also belt/sheeve changes to cover the full speed range, but not as many sheeve changes as those lathes without variable speed capability.
The price is higher for variable speed. The better capacity lathes cost more.
There are a lot of variable speed lathes on the market. I have been impressed with the Rikon 1220 VS in the midi class in recent months. Avoid Reeves drives for variable speed. Maintenance issues abound.
I use vs on my lathes.
Most modern variable speed lathes also belt/sheeve changes to cover the full speed range, but not as many sheeve changes as those lathes without variable speed capability.
The price is higher for variable speed. The better capacity lathes cost more.
There are a lot of variable speed lathes on the market. I have been impressed with the Rikon 1220 VS in the midi class in recent months. Avoid Reeves drives for variable speed. Maintenance issues abound.
I use vs on my lathes.
Last edited:
Dalecamino
Local Chapter Leader
They are also sometimes referred to simply as VS
I like these:
https://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLC10VS.html
They have other sizes I think.
I like these:
https://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLC10VS.html
They have other sizes I think.
Last edited:
JimB
Member
What you are looking for is VS or Variable Speed. however, and this is a big however, different manufacturers use the VS terminology differently. A 'belt changer' and a reeves drive are sometimes referred to as variable speed. Neither has the dial you are looking for.
Bottom line is you need to read the description and specs and look at the picture of the lathe to really determine if it what you ar looking for.
Bottom line is you need to read the description and specs and look at the picture of the lathe to really determine if it what you ar looking for.
JimB
Member
And if you want some more confusion look at the Jet 1642 EVS (electronic variable speed) or the Nova DVR XP has Continuous Variable Speed and has Up and Down buttons instead of a dial.
If you are looking at lathes and are confused about what it has just ask about it on here giving the model. You will get answers!
If you are looking at lathes and are confused about what it has just ask about it on here giving the model. You will get answers!
low_48
Member
That "dial" you are referring to is called a potentiometer. There are two ways to control motor speed. An electronic variable speed, and mechanical variable speed. Electronic systems use a 2 or 3 step pulley to allow the motor to stay in peak torque ranges over the entire range of spindle speed. They typically will have a lower minimum speed than the mechanical system. Basically zero maintenance on electronic, very critical maintenance required on mechanical systems. Not keeping up the lube schedule on reeves drive will result in a bound unit that is very fragile to rebuild.
JimB mentioned the Nova DVR XP - I don't know if it would be in your price range, but Woodcraft has it on sale for the entire month of Feb.
It is has a unique VS system - it is a direct spindle drive motor, so there are no belts or pulleys and it is continuously variable from 100 to 3800 RPM in 5 RPM increments. The motor controller has a microprocessor that monitors the turning load & adjusts power output to maintain a steady speed. It is a truly sweet machine!
It is has a unique VS system - it is a direct spindle drive motor, so there are no belts or pulleys and it is continuously variable from 100 to 3800 RPM in 5 RPM increments. The motor controller has a microprocessor that monitors the turning load & adjusts power output to maintain a steady speed. It is a truly sweet machine!
PenPal
Member
Some pics of two of my variable speed controllers the oldest one on the VL100 and the newest on my VL150 I bought separately got info from the same supplier to wire up been fantastic. What they do for me is create two extra phases plus the one incoming to make three phases. The one on the VL100 uses a three phase star connected motor the VL150 a Delta connected three phase motor.
Peter.
Peter.
Attachments
nava1uni
Member
This is a great lathe. I have it and you can also preset five(5) speeds that you use the most. The price that Woodcraft is selling it for is really great, plus it comes with a chuck with jaws and also cole jaws for finishing the bottom of bowls, etc.
low_48
Member
I've never liked turning on the DVR. When I push a start button on a lathe, I prefer it to start. I don't like it taking time to come up to speed. I hate that soft start!