VS lathe questions

[jskeen]

OK, I'm not starting the whole "My lathe is better than your lathe" thing, I just have a specific question regarding variable speed operation. I'm looking to upgrade from my current little wilton vs because I have reached the point where I am no longer willing to overlook it's manifold shortcomings. However one thing I do really like about it, is that the whole range of speeds, from 750 to 3200 is available with the spin of a knob, no belts to change when going from slow speed to apply ca, to med speed to sand, and then to max speed to buff off the wax, ect.

I understand that on the jet mini, and possibly other vs machines the user must change belts to access the full range of speeds. Is that correct, and if so what units are there out there that use a full range Variable frequency drive to change speeds?

Thanks
James

 

[ed4copies]

James,

The Jet DOES have belts. I have never used them.

The "top speed" is fine, for me. When "full out" it runs about 4000 rpm, when you slow it down, on the same belt configuration, it is slow enough for everything I do.

Check the rated speed - what do you do that NEEDS to run below 1500 rpm???

Just a FWIW!!

 

[td]

Most brands come both ways. The most economical - you change the belt yourself. Usually it is the motor that is labeled VS (meaning it has an adjustable knob). Although you have a convenience factor with a knob it comes with a price. Variable Speed motors don't typically last as long. Depending on the mechanism being used to adjust the speed of the motor...it can burn out quicker. This is info based on research done before purchasing a mini-lathe. I was told the same was true even for the high end models. I ended up buying for the staying power, but sometimes wish for convenience. Hope this helps.

Terry
Dallas,TX

td is me!

 

[Rifleman1776]

My vs lathe is a full-sized machine, the Grizzly G0632. Very similar to the Jet 1642. It does have the knob for easy speed adjustment. But, it also has the belt change over for high/low ranges. There is good reason for this. The high range has less torque for turning large items at slow speeds. The low range provides the full power of the motor. When doing, or planning, a job, setting to the anticipated needed range is only a two minute matter. Then you leave it until project is finished. It is not a back and forth affair.
In other words, don't sweat it.