upgrade question?

[sumterdad]

I have a hf 10 x 18 5 speed lathe that I use to make my pens. I was looking through the psi catalog and seen that they have a variable speed converson kit. I have a question.
1. It looks like you have to still change the belts to go from low to higher speeds. If so then why waste time and money getting kit.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLVSKIT.html

Please let me know what yall think. I know that my hf lathe is copied after the jet lathe, and thanks in advance.

 

[sumterdad]

I guess no one can answer this so I will hold off for now

 

[Balasharc]

You will have a variable low speed, med speed, and high speed. instteed of lots off belt changes you have 3 or like me leave it on the high setting and use the variable speed to slow down or speed up.

 

[randyrls]

Very few of the lathes will go from very low speed to very high speed without changing belts. The electric motors used in most lathes have a limited range of speeds where the motor will produce decent torque. Notable exceptions (pricey) are Reeves drives and Direct Current motors used in the Nova DVR lathes.

 

[sumterdad]

So would it be a great idea to do or should I pass on it.

 

[evjenkins]

PSI variable speed upgrade

It is a good unit. I rarely change belts and it has plenty of torque.

 

[joeatact]

I have this unit installed and I leave it on the high speed. It works great.

 

[fernhills]

I have a belt change lathe. The only reason i would go to variable speed is to go to very low speeds, about 100rpm for certain applications. This motors low is set at 650rpm, faster then my current low speed. Something to think about. Carl