PSI VS Kit
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egnald
Member
A few years ago I bought one as an upgrade to my Central Machinery 10 x 18 inch 5-speed 1/2 HP benchtop lathe.
The only modification that I made was to replace the PSI pulley. Although the current ad for the PSI conversion kit says it has 3 belt positions, the one I got only had 2. So I replaced the PSI pulley with the 3 belt position pulley from the Central Machinery lathe. The 3-position pulley was sloppy on the motor shaft so I simply built up the shaft with a couple of wraps of aluminum tape.
Although it worked perfectly, with the tools and improved skills I think I would have done a little measuring and using an appropriately sized transfer punch as a mandrel, I would have turned down some HDPE or other plastic to make a more proper adapter sleeve.
All in all though, it was a good upgrade for me, 3/4 HP instead of 1/2 HP and the variable speed was a real blessing. It worked well and served me well for quite a few years until I upgraded to a standard variable speed (Jet 1221VS).
It has been a few years, so I don't know for sure if anything has changed with what comes with the kit from PSI, but that's how things went for me. If I were in the same situation, I would do it again.
Regards,
Dave
PS I think I might have also used a piece of wood to make an adapter block for mounting the speed controller in a convenient location on my lathe table.
The only modification that I made was to replace the PSI pulley. Although the current ad for the PSI conversion kit says it has 3 belt positions, the one I got only had 2. So I replaced the PSI pulley with the 3 belt position pulley from the Central Machinery lathe. The 3-position pulley was sloppy on the motor shaft so I simply built up the shaft with a couple of wraps of aluminum tape.
Although it worked perfectly, with the tools and improved skills I think I would have done a little measuring and using an appropriately sized transfer punch as a mandrel, I would have turned down some HDPE or other plastic to make a more proper adapter sleeve.
All in all though, it was a good upgrade for me, 3/4 HP instead of 1/2 HP and the variable speed was a real blessing. It worked well and served me well for quite a few years until I upgraded to a standard variable speed (Jet 1221VS).
It has been a few years, so I don't know for sure if anything has changed with what comes with the kit from PSI, but that's how things went for me. If I were in the same situation, I would do it again.
Regards,
Dave
PS I think I might have also used a piece of wood to make an adapter block for mounting the speed controller in a convenient location on my lathe table.
They are adjustable as in rpm's
I have 3 lathes that use the PSI motors and speed controller .
I have to replace a speed controller ever couple of years .
The motors work good but not enough for deep hole boring with a 5/8 gun drill.
I can run two motors on one lathe.
Joebobber
Member
When i was looking at lathes about 6 years ago i bought the turncrafter commander 10" with the 5 speed. I mentioned to them that I should've gone with the vs one but I'd probably get that vs kit. They told me they weren't that great and a little under powered motor wise. This time around i got a 12" Turncrafter with vs. Now i don't know if anything has changed in 6 years with their kit, but that's what they told me. I won't mention who at psi told me this, but they were more than qualified to speak about them.
rixstix
Member
I have had 2 of them for 7+ years without a hiccup. I have adjusted the low rpm internally for sub-70 rpm. One is on a PSI Turncrafter. The other is on a Jet 1014i
I am around 50 RPM when my finishes are curing/drying My speed controllers were much high rpms from the factory.
When I am doing a epoxy finish my lathes run non stop sometimes for weeks or a month